85

Skull King is a trick-taking game similar to Oh Hell!, Wizard, and Spades, where players bid on how many tricks they think they'll win each round. The game uses a 66-card deck with special pirate-themed cards including Pirates, Mermaids, and the Skull King himself, creating a hierarchy where different card types trump others in unique ways.

85

The Verdict

based on 19 reviews

Positive 0%
An exciting and strategic twist on traditional trick-taking gameplay.
High player interaction that leads to fun and chaotic moments.
Excellent replayability with included expansions and rule variants.
Generally easy to teach, making it accessible for new players and families.
Scales well and is considered best with larger groups.
The scoring system can be confusing for new players to grasp.
A full 10-round game can be longer than expected for a card game.
The 2-player experience is considered weaker than playing with a larger group.
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Board Game QuestArticle

Skull King is a lively, high-interaction trick-taking card game with a pirate theme, offering chaotic fun, big point swings, and special cards that keep players engaged.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board of it, Frell and TallyVideo

Skull King is a pirate-themed trick-taking card game where players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win each round. It incorporates unique special cards and simultaneous bidding, providing strategic depth and exciting twists to the trick-taking genre. The game is highly regarded for its engaging and replayable gameplay.

93
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
What's Eric Playing?Article

Skull King is a brilliantly cutthroat and chaotic trick-taking game where players make risky bids and wield special cards like the Kraken and White Whale. While demanding for beginners and occasionally prone to forced defensive plays, it remains a fantastic, highly engaging favorite.

92
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Tabletop MomArticle

Skull King is a chaotic, highly replayable trick-taking card game that brilliantly injects pirate-themed unpredictability into classic bidding mechanics. It scales well, features charming artwork, and delivers endless memorable table moments for families and groups.

91
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Zatu GamesArticle

Skull King is a chaotic and engaging trick-taking card game featuring a unique hierarchy of special cards, blind bidding, and excellent scalability from two to eight players.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Bower's Game Corner, BowerVideo

"Skull King" is lauded as a fantastic, light trick-taking card game suitable for families and adults, praised for its engaging special cards and accommodating higher player counts. While not ideal for two players or those new to trick-taking, it's considered a keeper by the reviewer.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
A Pair of MeeplesArticle

Skull King is a fun, unique trick-taking game, praised for its simultaneous bidding and blend of silliness and tension. While excellent for 3+ players, it's strongly advised against playing with only two, as the game loses its substance.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Haystack GamesVideo

The reviewer highly praises Skull King as a phenomenal and really cool trick-taking game that adds enjoyable twists to the genre. They found it very fun, interesting, and easy to learn, appreciating the quality of its components and theme.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Tabletop FamilyArticle

Skull King is an engaging and strategic trick-taking card game featuring unique special cards and a fun bidding mechanic. The included Legendary expansion and sturdy components make it a fantastic, family-friendly choice for game nights.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop Games BlogArticle

Skull King is an engaging, accessible trick-taking card game featuring escalating hand sizes and unique, non-linear trump hierarchies that offer both fun and genuine tactical depth.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Meeple Street, Mackenzie HoffmanArticle

Skull King is an accessible yet strategic pirate-themed trick-taking card game that bridges traditional and modern gaming well, offering great portability and scalable depth with its expansion.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
TheBoardGameFamilyArticle

Skull King is an engaging and fast-paced trick-taking pirate card game that excites the whole family, blending bidding strategy with special action cards for high replayability.

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