A trick-taking game about getting your nine lives before anybody else, by placing smart bets on the right cats.
Nine Lives: Tricksy Kittens
As stated in the rules, you need 1 suit per player. Each suit is only 9 cards (1 page in regular size), so when unsure, just include all of them.
Background
This game is obviously a variant on the original game Nine Lives.
To most gamers, the idea of trick taking is second nature. To people who have never played such a game—or rarely do so—it needs quite some explanation. That’s why this version didn’t become the “original”, but rather a spin-off to try for those who think they’ll enjoy it.
This one was also the hardest to make, as my first five attempts were fine and playable, but just felt very mediocre. It took a return to one of my favorite card games (Spades) to make it all work.
Do you have a favorite version of Nine Lives? Let me know which one and why!
For more information, as always, read my detailed developer diary on Pandaqi Blog.
Credits
The fonts used are Puss in Boots (headings, fancy text) and Catcafe (body text, readable). Both freely available online. Parts of the illustrations were generated with AI. Everything else is mine.
Support
You can hire me! Maybe you need a special board game or video game for a birthday or educational purpose? I'm also open to inquiries about physically publishing my games. I am a registered freelance artist from the Netherlands and you can contact me professionally through my portfolio.
If unsure, visit my Online Store. It contains everything I ever made. Though it focuses on playful education and activities for children/family, first and foremost.
Another great way to support me is to simply let me know what you think! Mail me at harmonize@pandaqi.com with any feedback.
Alternatives would be to buy my paid work (a win-win situation!) or to donate through the most popular channels (see buttons below).
