Hanging out with friends is great, but pairing a beer with a game? Even better! Especially when the beer shares the name of the game – like Odin. That’s like a match made in Valhalla. Add some cosy vibes, and you’ve got the perfect evening. Whether you’re bluffing your way to victory or plotting the ultimate play, Odin is a compact and replayable keeper.
The game is designed by Yohan Goh, Hope S. Hwang, and Gary Kim. Odin is beautifully illustrated by Crocotame. It plays 2-6 players, and it’s best at 3 or more players. The game is relatively quick. You can play one round or multiple in about 20 minutes. The game comes with 56 cards numbered one through nine in six different colors and instruction manuals in multiple languages. The objective? Be the first to discard all your cards!
How it plays
Start with 9 cards. On your turn, either:
Play a set of cards that’s worth more than the current set on the table (matching number or color for the biggest value)
Pass and wait for a better opportunity
Drop all your cards at once if they’re the same color or number at the start of a round for an epic Viking victory!
Keep your card count low—any leftover cards score points
The player with the fewest points wins
Scoring
End of a Hand:
A hand ends if you play all cards of the same number or color at the start of a round
A hand also ends if you play your last card
Scoring: You receive 1 point for each card remaining in your hand at the end of a round
End of Game: Once a player has 15 points or more, the game ends. The player with the fewest points wins! In case of a tie, those players share the victory
Pros
- Quick to learn and play
- Fast-paced and fun
- Language independent
- Great for families and casual gamers
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Replayable with its mix of strategy and luck
Considerations
- This game is a palette cleanser, so it has limited depth
- The game relies somewhat on luck, which can sometimes feel frustrating for some
Bottom Line
Odin by Helvetiq is a visually stunning and easy-to-learn game that combines strategy, luck, and Viking flair. Odin delivers fast, fun gameplay with a hint of Norse mythology. Whether paired with a themed beer or enjoyed as a cozy night in, it’s highly recommended for fans of quick, strategic card games with a sprinkle of bluffing!
Tell us your thoughts on Odin by heading over to our Instagram!
