Mythical Tricks of Ancient Civilisations 2026

Mythical Tricks of Ancient Civilisations is a fast, tactical two-player trick-taking duel set in 1870, during the height of archaeological exploration.

Rival scholars compete across a series of expeditions, presenting ancient artifacts to outshine one another and earn academic glory. The game uses a compact 20-card deck, where players capture Gold and Silver Stars by winning tricks, or by combining matching halves of ancient treasure maps into major discoveries.

All cards belong to an ancient civilizations and must match to win a trick, but Atlantean artifacts overshadow all others, acting as a powerful, ever-present threat. Early in an expedition, players may act freely; as resources run low, the rules tighten.

Inspired by the traditional game Schnapsen, Mythical Tricks transitions from may-follow to must-follow rules during play, adding structure and tension as each expedition progresses. —description from the designer