Freshwater: The Trick and Write Game 2026

Freshwater is a trick-taking game that incorporates roll/flip and write mechanics. You take on the roles of amateur fish rescuers attempting to fill your personal fish tanks full of various species of fish. Fill entire columns or rows to get bonus points. Combo catches to get bonus fish.

You'll rescue all manner of freshwater species from abandoned ponds and deserted houses. These long forgotten fish are then re-homed in your fully equipped garage aquarium, where they can once again live out their carefree lives in a comfortable environment. Most of the fish are common species, but there are some rare treasures to be discovered if you're clever enough to find them! Your goal is to be the most Fantastic First Responder for Forsaken Freshwater Fish!

During each round, you'll compete with other freshwater rescuers by playing out your hand of cards to win a specific number of tricks.

Freshwater also features 44 unique card artworks by Milena Jure in her stunning watercolor style. Also each card has the species of fish it is depicting as well as some flavor text about what makes that species so special. Cards are sorted into 4 suits representing the relative sizes of the fish. The Pink Egg suit features fish that range from 1-3 inches in length. Yellow Scale suit has fish that are a little bigger, 4-6 inches in length. Blue Fins has fish that can be found in the 7-12 inch range and the Green Tail suit has the largest fish that can grow over a foot in length.

—description from the publisher