Crook is a trick taking game that requires each player to bid on the number of tricks they plan to take during a round of play. The person to the left of the dealer leads out by playing one card of any color and play goes clockwise with each player playing one card per turn. Players must “follow suit” by playing a card of the same color that was led out. If they are out of the color that was led, they can play any color including the trump color. The player that wins the trick takes the cards played (they are set aside to indicate a trick won) and then leads out for the next round of play.
The goal of the game is to score the highest number of points. If a player's bid is made exactly (not under or over) add amount bid plus 5 points. If bid is not made, subtract amount bid or the number of tricks taken – whichever is the greater number. This game is easy to play, but becomes very difficult to accurately predict the number of tricks that will actually be taken. The game ends with a special round where each player is dealt one card and each player shows every other player their card by putting it on their forehead (without looking at it). Bids are made and the cards are laid on the table to see who takes the trick.
-description from the designer
