Grim Reaper Preschool

Grim Reaper Preschool / 死神プリスクール is a trick-taking game in which players take on the role of preschool teachers who are gathering their students. It is a "must-follow" game, but players can follow either the lead suit or the rank of the card. If played cards are all of the same color, the highest number played wins the trick; if at least one played card is of the same rank, then the lowest number played wins. In the event of a tie for high or low, the later played card wins. (If no one follows the lead card, the first player wins the trick.) The winner of the trick collects all played cards, then leads the next trick. Once all the tricks have been played, players score for collecting consecutive cards in a suit as well as for collecting four or two of the same rank. (The Japanese equivalent for "grim reaper" is "死神", or "Shinigami", a word that includes the numbers 4 ("shi") and 2 ("ni"), which is what makes them special in this game.) Collect no tricks, and you receive the best score possible for a round. After a series of rounds, whoever has the most points wins.