Trick Stakes

Two roles, one race, one whip. Trick Stakes is a trick-taking and betting card game for 3 to 4 players, published by Musoka Studio in Paris. Designed by Susumu Kawasaki and illustrated by Wanjin Gill, it plays in about 30 minutes from age 10: you ride a horse in the race and bet on the result at the same time. In Trick Stakes, you don't just ride the race — you bet on it too. Each round you take the reins of a different horse, and each round you decide where to put your money. The trick-taking is strict: follow the colour that was led, no excuses. But the Whip card turns a colour into trumps at the moment of your choosing — for your own triumph, or for someone else's. Because the odds move every time a horse pulls ahead, and the horse everyone backed at the start is rarely the one that pays. Back the wrong horse and you walk away with nothing. Back your own too openly and the table rides against you. With three players, a phantom jockey joins the field and keeps everyone honest. Why we love it 🐎 You ride and you bet — winning the race isn't enough if your money was on the wrong horse. 🎯 Odds that never sit still — each horse's payout shifts as the race unfolds, so the early favourite can turn into a bad bet. 🥇 One whip, one moment — the Whip card decides the trump colour. Play it too soon and you hand the race to a rival. Designer: Susumu Kawasaki Illustration: Wanjin GillFrequently asked questionsHow many players is Trick Stakes for, and how long does it take?Trick Stakes plays with 3 or 4 players and a game takes about 30 minutes. With 3 players, a phantom jockey joins the race.What age is Trick Stakes suitable for?From age 10.How does Trick Stakes work?Each round you ride a different horse and bet on the race at the same time. You must follow the colour led, the Whip card turns a colour into trumps when you choose, and each horse's odds change as the race unfolds.Is Trick Stakes available in English?Yes. The box contains two rulebooks, one in English and one in French.