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In the whimsical auction house of Odd Shop, players vie for a range of bizarre and unique items, ranging from ancient potions and mystical gear to elusive familiars and enchanting magic items. The twist? Not everything is as it seems—among these treasures are clever forgeries that could deceive even the most discerning eye. The challenge lies in assembling the most valuable collection of authentic items.
👥 2-6 players, ages 10+
⌛ Playing time: 30-80 minutes
📝 Designer: Adrie Drent
🎨 Artwork: Nicholas Westgård
🏢 Publisher: Jolly Dutch (review copy provided)
The Auction Begins: Game Setup and Objectives
Odd Shop is played over 5 to 9 rounds, which can be adjusted according to how long players want the game to last. In each round, five items are put up for auction. Each item has two potential gold values—one if the item is authentic and a much lower one if it’s a forgery. The truth about an item’s authenticity is hidden on a card placed face down beneath it, and this card is only revealed after the item is bought. Players do have an option to consult an expert for a fee, and can peek at the authentication card for one or two items.
After going through the chosen number of rounds, it’s time to tally up. Items are categorized into familiars, potions, magic items, and gear. Each category has its own ratio of authentic to forged items, and collecting a complete set of gear items doubles their value—a lucrative bonus that can turn the tide of the game. Moreover, collecting sets from any category can yield substantial bonuses; for example, in a 5-round game, assembling four items from one category earns a player a bonus of 200 gold.
Odd Shop is a card game created by Adrie Drent and published by Jolly Dutch. It’s designed for 2-6 players, suitable for ages 10 and up, and offers flexible game lengths—you can choose to play a quick round of 5, 7, 9, or a complete game using all the cards. Depending on how many rounds you play, a game can last anywhere from 30 to 80 minutes.
The game is part of Jolly Dutch’s Eco Friendly Line, which means it’s produced according to high ecological standards. Despite its small, portable box, Odd Shop offers a substantial gaming experience. The rules are clear and straightforward, making it easy for new players to join in quickly. Each card features beautiful artwork by Nicholas Westgård, which really brings the theme of the game to life.
Bidding Wars and Strategic Trades
Player interaction is a major part of Odd Shop. You’ll find yourself actively bidding against others, trying to guess which items they’re after and possibly even misleading them towards less valuable ones. After each auction round, there’s also a chance to trade with other players. This can be a crucial time to negotiate for the items you need to complete your sets or for extra cash to use in the upcoming round.
The element of chance comes into play with the authenticity cards. Each item’s real value is hidden until the end, with cards that could declare an item real, fake, or even unknown until the final reveal. This setup means the game’s outcome can swing dramatically in the last moments. While luck plays a part, strategic thinking and observation are crucial. You can pay to peek at some of these cards during the game, which can help you make smarter decisions but also requires keeping your findings secret from others.
Final Thoughts
Odd Shop combines strategy, luck, and player interaction to keep every round interesting. It’s well-suited for players who enjoy games that require negotiation, observation, and strategy mixed with the thrill of chance. This game is about making smart choices, reading other players, and sometimes taking risks.
📝 Disclaimer: A copy of the game was provided by the publisher, Jolly Dutch, for review purposes.
