The Shell Game is an album by alto saxophonist Tim Berne featuring keyboardist Craig Taborn and drummer Tom Rainey which was recorded in 2000 at the Make Believe Ballroom in New York and released in 2001 on the Thirsty Ear label.

[1][2] The AllMusic review awarded the album 4 stars stating "The Shell Game shines forth as a charismatic effort from a preeminent stylist who is willing to take risks".

[3] The Guardian's John Fordham rated the album 4 stars out of 5, saying, "The work of New York saxophonist/composer Tim Berne can sometimes be almost forbiddingly rugged and demanding, but the coherence on this session, and the assertiveness mixed with an unfamiliar mellowness in his tone, amount to a new level of inventiveness and confidence for him".

[4] The Austin Chronicle's Michael Chamy noted "The Shell Game plays like an epic novel, full of unexpected twists and turns, ultimately rewarding the repeat listener with a powerful cocktail, equal parts inspiration and intrigue".

[7] Writing in JazzTimes Daniel Piotrowski noted "Berne sticks to the modus operandi of his recent bands: long, meandering pieces with structured melodies making recurring, intermittent appearances.