DIAMONDS 2ND EDITION ****

Diamonds (2nd Edition) is a trick-taking card game designed by Mike Fitzgerald and published by Stronghold Games. It refines the original 2014 release with upgraded components and minor rule clarifications. The game stands out for its accessible play and unique suit-based reward system emphasizing tactical decision-making.

Key facts

• Designer: Mike Fitzgerald

• Publisher: Stronghold Games

• Players: 2–6

• Play time: 30–45 minutes

• Initial release: 2014 (2nd Edition reissued later)

Gameplay

Diamonds uses a custom 60-card deck featuring four suits of 15 cards each. Like traditional trick-taking games, players play one card per trick, with the highest of the led suit winning. However, its innovation lies in “suit actions”: whenever players play, win, or lose with specific suits, they earn or move diamond-shaped crystals between personal vaults and display areas. The player with the most diamonds securely stored wins.

Components and presentation

The 2nd Edition upgraded the game’s visual design and component quality, including clearer iconography, sturdier cards, and improved crystal pieces. It also refined player aids and incorporated minor rule adjustments to improve balance and clarity without altering the core mechanics.

Reception and appeal

Diamonds has been praised for offering strategic depth with simple rules, making it an approachable modern twist on classic card games like Hearts or Spades. Reviewers often note its strong table presence and replayability, particularly in family or mixed-skill groups. The 2nd Edition reinforced its reputation as a standout title in the trick-taking genre.