Amarrako

Amarrako is a card game inspired by traditional Basque Mus, featuring team-based matches, strategic card decisions, partner signals, and opponents with different playing styles. Players compete in pairs, examine their cards, communicate with a partner, and progress through a series of matches set in four Basque towns. The game combines traditional Mus rules, four-card hands, multiple scoring phases, character interactions, and a structured progression system. TRADITIONAL BASQUE MUS Each match follows the main principles of Mus, a traditional card game played between two teams of two players. Players receive four cards and participate in a sequence of decisions involving card combinations, communication, and scoring. The game includes the familiar Mus phases: Grande, Chica, Pares, and Juego. Each phase focuses on a different aspect of the cards, requiring players to consider their hand and choose an appropriate action. FOUR SCORING PHASES Grande focuses on the highest cards in the hand. Chica considers the lowest cards. Pares evaluates matching cards and combinations. Juego uses the total value of the cards to determine the result. Players can review the available phases and follow their progress during each hand. The interface displays the current score, active phase, cards, and available actions. PARTNER COMMUNICATION Teamwork is an important part of the gameplay. Players compete alongside a partner named Txema, who communicates through traditional facial signals known as señas. These expressions provide information about certain card combinations. For example, a bitten lip can indicate two kings. Players must observe their partner and consider the information provided when making decisions. CARD DECISIONS During each phase, players can select from actions such as Paso, Envido, and Órdago. These options allow players to respond to the current situation and influence the scoring of the hand. The game presents available decisions directly on the screen, making it easy to follow the current phase. Players can examine their cards, observe opponents, and choose how to continue. FOUR BASQUE TOWNS Amarrako includes four locations inspired by Basque towns: Donostia, Bilbao, Gernika, and Iruña. Each town features its own setting, local characters, and matches. Players can review available locations, select a table, and compete against the corresponding opponents. Progress through the towns is connected to completed matches and recorded victories. OPPONENTS AND PLAYING STYLES The game includes eight regular opponents distributed across four towns. Each character has a distinct personality and approach to card decisions. Some opponents prefer cautious play, while others frequently challenge their rivals. Players can observe these differences during matches and adapt their decisions accordingly. MATCH RESULTS After each completed match, the game displays a detailed results screen. Players can review the final score, card combinations, completed phases, and points earned. The results screen also provides options to return to the current location or begin another match. PROGRESS AND SCORING Matches use traditional Mus scoring terminology, including beans and amarrakos. Five beans form one amarrako. The scoreboard displays the progress of both teams and helps players follow the current match. Completed games contribute to location progression and provide access to additional opponents. GAME INTERFACE The application uses a card table layout with character portraits, visible cards, score indicators, and clearly labeled actions. Players can follow the active phase, review their hand, and respond through the available controls. Players can practice traditional card combinations, learn partner signals, complete matches, and explore different Basque settings through an organized gameplay experience.