Santa Fe

The game lasts 7 rounds; each round, players receive a hand of cards and take turns playing one card per trick. Notably, the lowest card wins the trick, as low values are rarer in the deck. Cards won per trick earn points, but too few tricks per round result in penalty points. Players can challenge each other — or the sheriff — to a duel (Mexican standoff), where one winner claims multiple tricks at once. Special bandit cards can significantly influence the total score. After 7 rounds, the player with the most points wins.

Santa Fe is a smooth and atmospheric trick-taking game that stands out with its inverted card values and dueling mechanism. The Western theme is well-integrated into the cards, providing plenty of tension and humor at the table. The game is quick to learn and plays in half an hour, making it suitable as a filler or an introduction to trick-taking games. The dueling mechanism creates unexpected twists but can throw the game slightly off-balance for less experienced players. For those who enjoy interactive card games with a lively atmosphere, Santa Fe is a recommended compact travel game.