The Bottle Imp

The Bottle Imp is a unique trick-taking game that’s based on the short story by Robert Louis Stevenson of the same name. I had the chance to play it at a gaming convention and really enjoyed it. It’s a nice change of pace from other trick-taking games like Hearts or Pinochle, and it’s easier to learn.

The game play is interesting, with the “price of the bottle” changing throughout the game. This makes for some strategic decisions and tense moments, as you try to avoid ending up with the bottle. You’re constantly trying to guess who else has the cards you need to make your desired play.

I was a little disappointed to learn about the quality issues with the game. I read some reviews online that mentioned cards falling apart and glued-on images. I can’t say I’ve experienced that myself, but it's worth noting. It’s a shame because the game itself is fun and engaging. If you are looking for a game to play with family, I would suggest looking at other games with higher quality materials.