Sometimes a game comes along that’s small enough to fit in your pocket, but big enough to steal the spotlight on game night. Trio is one of those games. It’s quick, easy to learn, and packed with tension, laughter, and the occasional moment of total chaos.
This clever little card game has quickly found a regular spot on our table.
What is Trio all about?
In Trio, the goal is simple. You’re trying to collect three of the same number. The deck contains twelve numbers, each appearing three times. Depending on player count, some cards are dealt face up, some face down, and the rest are dealt among players.
On your turn, you can either ask another player for their highest or lowest card, or try your luck flipping over two face-down cards from the centre. If you reveal a matching number, you keep going. If not, your turn ends.
The first player to collect three complete trios wins.
That’s it. Simple rules, but loads of opportunity for memory, bluffing, and hilarious guessing games.
Once you have mastered the basic game, you can move onto the “spicy” variation of the game, which adds another set of rules for you to compete with.
How does it play?
Trio plays fast and loose. Games last around 10 to 15 minutes, but once you’ve finished one, chances are you’ll want to play again. What starts as a simple memory exercise quickly becomes a mind game. You’ll find yourself reading expressions, remembering card positions, and bluffing just enough to keep your opponents second-guessing their next move.
It’s also the sort of game where age doesn’t necessarily give you the upper hand. Our daughters have absolutely schooled us more than once. Turns out, they have sharper memories than we do, the youngest being the current reigning champion!
We’ve played it with friends and family, and it’s had everyone laughing, guessing, and groaning in equal measure.
What’s the ideal player count?
Trio works well with three to six players, but we’ve found four or five to be the sweet spot. It moves quickly, keeps everyone involved, and adds just the right amount of interaction without becoming too chaotic.
Its small size makes it great for travel, holidays, or keeping in your bag for a spontaneous game wherever you are.
Final thoughts on Trio
Trio is a fantastic filler game. It’s small, affordable, easy to teach, and a great option for families, casual gamers, or even more seasoned players looking for something light between heavier games.
It brings the kind of fun that has everyone leaning in, laughing, and just enjoying being around the table together. And really, isn’t that what board games are all about?
This is one we are definitely putting in the suit case for our family holiday in a couple of weeks.
Enjoyed this review?
If Trio sounds like your kind of game, you might also enjoy Sea, Salt & Paper or Dutch Blitz. Both are quick to play and bring just as much excitement and fun to the table. You can read my full review of Sea, Salt & Paper here.
Have a favourite quick card game of your own? Drop it in the comments — we’re always looking for the next great game night addition.
Happy gaming,
The Board Game Wagon
