Biss 20

Designed by: Günter Burkhardt,Lena Burkhardt

Biss 20 is a super-simple co-operative game of counting. It’s so simple that the first round simply asks the players to count to 20, starting with the youngest and going clockwise around the table.

But then Biss throws a spanner in the works by adding a rule. What the rule is can change depending on the flip of a card – draw the number in the air instead of saying it, perform a specific gesture, swap numbers, say a random word. Round 2 has just one such rule and therefore, it’s very easy to count to 20 again following this minor change. But in each subsequent round the rule changes stack up, so by the time you’re at round seven, say, there’s all manner of things to try and remember. Every time someone gets it wrong, players start again but lose a life. They collectively win by completing all levels, or collectively lose if they run out of lives.

Sam says

A neat game using such a simple idea, designed by father and daughter. It can be very hit and miss though, and we've found while some enjoy the challenge others find it irksome. I think it's best with a crowd - you can play with 2 or 3 but it doesn't hit the same heights. Not a game I'd want to play multiple times in a row - it's kind of exhausting! - but a lot of foolish fun at the right time.

The guru's verdict

  • Take That!

    Take That!

    None - players work as a team. Although there is a competitive variant included in the rules if that's your thing.

  • Fidget Factor!

    Fidget Factor!

    Very low.

  • Brain Burn!

    Brain Burn!

    None on the rules in terms of complexity. The critical thing, though, is remembering them!

  • Again Again!

    Again Again!

    There are a number of rules so what appears from game to game will vary. That said, the experience is familiar - fun for those who enjoy a memory based party game.