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- English - Tricks of the Engkantos - Introduction
- 2026/9/10 0:17
Introducing Tricks of the Engkantos
Must-Not-Follow Trick-Taking × Unique Engkanto Powers
Harness the powers of the Engkantos. Win the trick.
Inspired by creatures and spirits from Philippine folklore, Tricks of the Engkantos is a trick-taking game where every Engkanto possesses a unique power that can change the outcome of a trick.
Knowing when to unleash these powers—and how your opponents might use theirs—is the key to victory.
Must Not Follow
Unlike traditional trick-taking games, Tricks of the Engkantos uses must-not-follow rules.
When a suit is led, you must play a card of a different suit if you can.
You may only follow the lead suit when you have no other available suit to play—and a card that follows the lead suit cannot win the trick or activate its power.
This creates tricks where several different suits and abilities can interact at the same time.
Every Engkanto Has a Power
Each suit represents a different Engkanto from Philippine folklore, and each has its own special ability.
Some Engkantos become stronger depending on when they are played.
Others react to the ranks or cards played by your opponents.
Some can dramatically change the outcome of a trick when the right conditions are met.
Because several powers can activate in the same trick, the strongest card at the beginning may not be the strongest card by the end.
Time Your Powers
Winning isn't simply about playing your highest-ranked card.
You’ll need to watch what your opponents play, anticipate which powers might activate, and choose the right moment to play your own Engkantos.
Sometimes playing early is best.
Sometimes waiting until the end can completely change the trick.
And sometimes another player's power can unexpectedly help—or ruin—your plan.
Collect Cards and Score Points
The player with the highest final rank wins the trick.
Normally, the winner collects their own played card and adds it to their scoring pile—but certain Engkantos can change how cards are collected.
After 2 rounds, players count the cards they have collected.
The player with the highest score wins!
Tricks of the Engkantos
👥 4–5 Players
⏱ 20–30 Minutes
💴 ¥3,000
Available at Game Market 2026 Autumn from Laro Games Studio.