Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure that combines the classic trick-taking genre with a mind-bending twist? Look no further than Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition! This unique game will challenge your strategic thinking and keep you on your toes, as you navigate through a world where the colors of the cards are not predetermined. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of Cat in the Box and delve into why it’s worth adding to your game collection.
What is Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition?
Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition is a trick-taking game designed by Muneyuki Yokouchi and published by Bezier Games. It is suitable for 2 to 5 players, ages 14 and up, and offers a playing time of approximately 30 minutes. Priced at $29.95, this game is easily accessible in stores and directly from the publisher. While the box suggests an age limit of 14 and up, younger players who are already familiar with trick-taking games can easily pick up the mechanics. The theme of the game is family-friendly, so there’s no need to worry about inappropriate content.
The Components of Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition
In the box, you’ll find a variety of components that enhance your gameplay experience. These include:
- Research board
- 4 Research cards
- 5 Player boards
- Round Start Player card
- 45 Cat cards
- Scorepad
- 5 Player cards
- 4 Observed tokens
- 60 Player tokens (12 each in 5 colors)
The research board is a cleverly designed folding board that accommodates the research cards. These double-sided cards reveal different numbers and colors, depending on the player count and experience level. The player boards are triple-layered, providing options for different player counts. Each board features wells for bidding and spaces for player tokens. The player tokens themselves are cute, science-themed shapes made of translucent material. The cat cards, numbered from 1 to 9, are illustrated with adorable black cats. It’s worth noting that the card backs may not be entirely uniform, but this doesn’t impact gameplay.
How to Play Cat in the Box
Cat in the Box follows the traditional rules of trick-taking games, with some intriguing tweaks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing the game:
Goal: Your objective is to score the most points by winning tricks, predicting the number of tricks you’ll win accurately, and claiming areas on the research board.
Setup: Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding tokens and player board. The research cards are placed in the research board, and the cat cards are set up based on the player count. The Start Player card is given to the player who most recently encountered a cat.
Gameplay: The game consists of multiple rounds, each with a preparation phase, trick phase, and scoring phase.
Preparation Phase: Players receive a hand of cat cards and select one card to discard face-down near the research board. In turn order, players predict the number of tricks they will win by placing a player token on their board.
Trick Phase: The trick phase is where the heart of the game lies. Players take turns playing one card from their hand, declaring its color by placing it next to their player board. The first player to start the trick also places a player token on the research board, matching their card’s number and color. Other players follow suit or play any card if they don’t have the starting color. The winner of the trick is determined by playing the highest trump card or the highest card of the starting color if no trumps are played.
Paradox: If a player cannot play a card due to already marked numbers on the research board or running out of a color, a paradox occurs. The trick phase immediately ends, and the player reveals their hand. Causing a paradox results in a point deduction for that player.
Scoring Phase: Points are awarded based on the number of tricks won. Players who predicted their number of tricks correctly earn bonus points by forming contiguous groups of their tokens on the research board.
Game End: The game concludes after each player has been the start player once. The player with the highest score wins.
That’s the basic gameplay of Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition. For a detailed understanding of the rules, you can download a copy of the rulebook.
Why You Should Play Cat in the Box
Cat in the Box offers a refreshing take on the trick-taking genre, making it a must-have addition to any game night. The ability to assign colors to your cards adds a level of creativity and strategy not commonly found in other games. You can choose to create an all-trump hand or strategically decide when to run out of a certain color. However, you must tread carefully to avoid causing a paradox and incurring penalties.
The game’s scoring system adds another layer of depth. Predicting the number of tricks you’ll win accurately brings bonus points, while strategically claiming areas on the research board can significantly boost your score. This aspect of area control adds excitement and an extra level of competition among players.
Cat in the Box strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and complexity. It appeals to both casual gamers and seasoned players, making it a versatile choice for various gaming groups. Whether you’re playing with family, friends, or fellow enthusiasts, this game promises an engaging and enjoyable experience.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in the intriguing world of Cat in the Box. Visit Pawsoha’s official website to learn more about this fantastic game and explore other informative content related to the pet industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cat in the Box suitable for younger players?
Absolutely! While the box suggests an age limit of 14 and up, younger players familiar with trick-taking games can easily learn and enjoy Cat in the Box. The game’s family-friendly theme ensures there’s nothing inappropriate for younger players.Where can I purchase Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition?
You can find Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition in stores or directly from the publisher. Visit the Pawsoha website for more details.Can I play Cat in the Box with only two players?
Yes, you can play Cat in the Box with two players. The game includes specific rules and adjustments for two-player gameplay, ensuring an enjoyable experience even with a smaller group.How long does a game of Cat in the Box typically last?
A game of Cat in the Box lasts approximately 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a quick gaming session or as a warm-up for longer gaming sessions.
Conclusion
Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition is a captivating game that combines the familiar mechanics of trick-taking with an exciting twist. Its unique gameplay, clever components, and family-friendly theme make it a standout choice for both casual and seasoned gamers. Master the art of predicting tricks, strategically claim areas on the research board, and embrace the challenge of an ever-changing color palette. Visit Pawsoha’s official website to learn more about Cat in the Box and other captivating games in the pet industry.