Herrlof

Scandinavia in the Viking Age, from around 800 to 1050 AD, is dominated by powerful magnates (or chieftains) and kings. The title of king is not inherited; it is fought for. The leading magnate is recognised by the others as ‘first among equals’. Four magnates are now fighting for Herrlof: the victory and praise won in war. Who will be the next Viking king?

In this two-player trick-taking game, your aim is to be the first player to reach 50 points or more; the player with the most points wins. You score points by winning tricks and from bonuses you can earn. The game is played over a maximum of 10 rounds (although players usually reach 50 points easily before then) of 15 cards.

Each round you must:
1) deal 15 cards, 2) set trumps, 3) predict your score, 4) fight for tricks and 5) reveal the predictions and determine your score.
All predictions are made in secret, so your opponent does not know your target.

Certain Vikings have special abilities that affect the tricks. There are also additional cards that can ruin any trick or add other uncertainties.