You are holding a hand of cards and have to say, before a single card is played, exactly how many tricks you will take. Guess too high or too low and you score nothing for the round. That is the pull of Niggle, a card game also known as Oh Hell, and it is easy to pick up even if you have never played a trick-taking game.
Quick facts
- Type: trick-taking card game, single player against computer opponents
- Developer: Sean O'Connor's Windows Games
- Platforms: Windows, plus Android and Amazon Appstore versions under the name Niggle (Oh Hell!)
- Trial: the developer offers a free, fully playable version to download for each of its Windows games
Key features
Bid on your own tricks, then try to hit the number exactly
Each round you guess how many tricks you will win. The fun comes from landing exactly on your bid while stopping your opponents from reaching theirs.
See how confident or worried the computer players are
The AI plays a mean game, and it shows you how confident or worried each computer player is about making its bid. That gives you something to read and play against.
Dozens of gameplay options on the mobile version
The Amazon Appstore listing for the mobile version mentions advanced AI and dozens of gameplay options, so you can adjust how the game plays.
Who it's for
You will get the most from Niggle if you like trick-taking and bidding games and want a quick way to play one against the computer. The rules are simple to learn, and the bidding gives each hand a goal.
Pros and cons
- Pro: easy to learn, with a clear goal each round
- Pro: a free, fully playable version lets you try it first
- Pro: the AI shows its confidence in its bids
- Con: it is a single-genre card game, so it won't suit you if you want variety
- Con: you play against computer opponents
FAQs
Is Niggle the same as Oh Hell?
Yes. The developer describes Niggle as also known as "Oh Hell", and the mobile version is titled Niggle (Oh Hell!).
Can I try it before paying?
The developer offers free, fully playable downloads of its Windows games.
Is it on phones?
Yes. There is an Android version and an Amazon Appstore version.
What is the goal?
Win exactly the number of tricks you bid each round, while keeping your opponents from making theirs.