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Cat in the Box is a card game that belongs to the trick-taking genre. Unique in its approach, the game involves an element of uncertainty regarding the color of the cat cards: players declare the color of the cards when they play them, with the restriction that they cannot declare a color already used for a card of the same number.
👥 2-5 players, ages 10+
⌛ Playing time: 30 minutes
📝 Designer: Muneyuki Yokouchi
🎨 Artwork: Osamu Inoue
🏢 Publisher: Geronimo Games (Dutch/French version, review copy provided) Originally published by Hobby Japan.
The game is structured into rounds, each consisting of three main phases: Preparation, Trick, and Scoring. In the Preparation phase, cards are dealt to the players, who then select and place one card face down near the research board. This phase also involves players predicting the number of tricks they think they will win in the round, marking these predictions on their player boards.
♣️ The Trick phase is where the core action of the game unfolds. Players play cat cards in clockwise order, starting from a designated start player. As each card is played, the player declares its color—either red, blue, yellow, or green. This declaration is subject to specific rules, such as the inability to declare a color if the card’s number already has an assigned color. The first color declared in each trick sets the ‘led color’, which influences the gameplay that follows. The aim in each trick is to play the strongest card, with strength determined by both the card’s declared color and its number. This phase continues until only one card is left in each player’s hand or a paradox occurs—a situation where a player cannot legally play any card.
🏆 The Scoring phase involves tallying points based on the number of tricks won and the accuracy of players’ predictions. Points are awarded for each trick won, with additional points for correct predictions, depending on the largest group of adjacent player tokens on the research board. However, if a paradox occurs, the player responsible faces point deductions.
🔄 After the scoring, the game prepares for the next round, with players resetting their boards and passing the Round Start Player card. After each player has had a turn as the start player, the game concludes, and the winner is the one with the highest total score.
Designed by Muneyuki Yokouchi and provided to us by Geronimo Games as a Dutch version review copy, Cat in the Box introduces a refreshing twist to the classic trick-taking genre. This game, suitable for 2-5 players aged 10 and above, offers an engaging experience that lasts about half an hour per session.
🌈 The unique feature of Cat in the Box lies in its treatment of card colors. Unlike traditional trick-taking games where card colors are predetermined, here, each card remains colorless until a player declares its color during play. This aspect may initially challenge newcomers, especially those less familiar with trick-taking games, but it certainly elevates the game’s strategic depth.
🎨 The components and artwork of Cat in the Box are impressive. The game includes dual-layered boards, cute translucent player tokens, and a well-designed insert that ensures everything is stored neatly. The production quality is top-notch, with cards that slide seamlessly into the research board. This quality extends to the gameplay variety, enhanced by using different sides of those research cards. While the theme feels somewhat secondary and could theoretically be applied to various subjects, its execution is charming and adds to the game’s appeal.
⚖️ In terms of mechanics and gameplay, Cat in the Box is swift and engaging. The game revolves around making accurate predictions and skilfully avoiding paradoxes. Achieving your predictions and strategically placing your tokens on the research board can earn you bonus points, adding an extra layer of strategy. However, the penalty for causing a paradox can be quite harsh, potentially leading to a loss from a single miscalculated move. At times, it feels as though the game’s focus shifts more towards avoiding paradoxes rather than winning tricks or making accurate predictions.
👥 The game includes additional rules for two-player gameplay, but due to the nature of trick-taking games, it shines brighter with more players. Personally, I find Cat in the Box most enjoyable and balanced with four players.
💭 Cat in the Box stands out as an innovative addition to a genre that has been around for a long time. The unique mechanism of color declaration adds a fresh twist, making it a compelling choice for players seeking a different flavor in their card gaming repertoire.
📝 Disclaimer: We received a review copy of Cat in the Box from the publisher Geronimo Games.
