- BGG rank
- BGG #10,867
- BGG rating
- 6.9
Zephyr: Winds of Change
- 1–4 players
- 20–270 min
- Complexity 3.0/5
- 2017
- BGG rank
- BGG #28,904
- BGG rating
- 5.1
Pick the Lock
2016
Rules assistance for Pick the Lock
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–5 players
- 15–30 min
- 6+
- Complexity 1.1/5
Rules assistant for Pick the Lock
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Pick the Lock is a board game released in 2016 for 2–5 players, 15–30 minutes per game, and ages 6 and up. It was designed by Jon Mietling and Aaron Kluck and its main mechanics are Take That.
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About the game
Players take on the role of a thief attempting to obtain priceless treasures and outdo their fellow gentleman and lady burglars. Two to five players take turns picking locks to steal valuable items from the vault or each other. The thief with the most treasures at the end of the game is the winner. Each treasure obtained puts you closer to winning. However, each treasure has a special negative effect that makes your collection vulnerable. Steal wisely, certain combinations of treasures in your possession could make it easier for other thieves to steal from you. The main mechanic of Pick the Lock has a small amount of wit and a lot of luck. Players attempt to steal treasures from each other or the vault by using one of their five number cards. These cards are numbered four through eight. When played they define the odds of success during your attempt to steal a treasure. The defending player sets the combination of the lock to his or her vault by placing a card face down that is from 1 to the number the attacking player has played. Using the right cards with the right treasure effects could ensure your victory. Pick the Lock combines a nice blend of strategy, wit, and luck. Are you clever enough to outwit your friends and Pick the Lock? Pick the Lock is a Card game for 2-5 players ages 6 and up.
Questions and answers
Pick the Lock supports 2–5 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Pick the Lock is 15–30 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Pick the Lock for ages 6 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Pick the Lock has a complexity rating of 1.1 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Pick the Lock belongs to these categories: Bluffing. Its main mechanics are Take That. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Pick the Lock are: Jon Mietling and Aaron Kluck. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Pick the Lock as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.