Rowdy Partners

Rowdy Partners is a team-based trick-taking game in a wrestling setting. The goal is to "pin" an opponent by reducing their health to the final skull space on their tracker.

Gameplay Flow

The game is played over several rounds. Each round consists of exactly 8 tricks.

• Round Structure: Each player receives 8 cards. 4 cards are set aside as the "Burn Pile."
• Trick Sequence: The wrestler in the #1 position leads the first card. Other players follow clockwise.
• Winning Condition: The game ends immediately when a wrestler's health marker reaches the skull icon.

Rules of the Trick

• Lowest Card Wins: Unlike most trick-taking games, the lowest card of the led suit wins the trick.
• Following Suit: Players must follow the led suit (Hat, Horseshoe, Star, or Gravestone). If a player cannot follow suit, they may play any card ("Sloughing off").
• Wildcards: These represent all suits and can be played at any time. If led, the player declares the suit.
• Counters: If a player plays a card with the same value as a card already in the trick, both cards are flipped over. They no longer count toward winning the trick. The next available face-up card determines the suit to be followed.

Damage and the Pin Zone

• Dealing Damage: The winner of the trick deals damage to the opposing wrestler currently "in the ring" (Position #1 or #2). Damage equals the (potentially modified) card value.
• Winning the Lead: The winner of the trick moves to Position #1 and leads the next trick.
• Pin Zone (Stop Signs): The health track contains "Stop Signs."
  • To pass a Stop Sign, a minimum amount of damage is required (e.g., 1+, 2+, or 3+ damage).
  • Only one Stop Sign can be passed per trick. Excess damage is lost when a Stop Sign is hit.

Pop System and Tokens

Playing cards with Pop symbols advances the team on the Pop Track. Reaching specific icons grants tokens:

• Coin: Modify your card value up or down (can be used to trigger Counters).
• Damage: Deals +1 extra damage if the trick is won.
• Tag: Allows a player to swap positions with their partner before playing a card.
• Cheats: Face-down tiles providing powerful bonuses like suit changes or value shifts.
• Signature Move: Unlocks the wrestler’s unique special ability.

Game Variants (Headliners)

• 2-3 Players: Players without partners play as "Headliners."
• Two Cards: A Headliner plays two cards per trick—one from their hand and one from a "Manager Diamond" (an open display).
• Position: Headliners are always considered "in the ring" and take all incoming damage.

Player Decisions and Strategy

• Table Talk: Players are not allowed to discuss specific card values or suits in their hand.
• Token Timing: Tokens are typically spent during your turn when playing a card. Effects can be stacked.
• Modifiers: Card values can be modified above 8 or below 1. A value of 0 or less deals no damage but can still win a trick.