Scram (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Scram is a card game released in 2019 by designer Ramy Badie. The game is suitable for 2 to 6 players, with a runtime of 15 to 30 minutes. It falls under the category of Animals and is based on set collection mechanics.

Game Components of Scram

Deck of cards with values from 1-13 and a special “equal sign” card

Cards have different animal illustrations, each with a unique value and some with special actions

Complimentary *Scram!* app for scoring

How To Setup Scram

Setup for Scram is straightforward. Players are divided into even teams (1 vs 2, 2 vs 2, or 3 vs 3). Each player is dealt three face-down cards and two face-up cards, which are placed in front of them. The remaining deck is placed in the center of the table, and the top card of the deck is flipped over to start the discard pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drawing: Players can draw a card from the deck or the discard pile.

Card Replacement: Players can replace cards in their campsite with drawn cards, using the special actions on higher-valued cards.

Declaring Scram: A player can call “Scram!” if they have two or fewer cards in their campsite, ending their turn and betting their team has fewer points.

End of Round: Rounds end either when the deck runs out or when a player declares “Scram!”.

Scoring: Teams calculate their total points from face-up and face-down cards. If the Scram-calling team wins, they score 0 points for the round; otherwise, they add 10 points to their total.

Game Objective: The team with the fewest points after four rounds wins.

Player Experience

Scram is a fun and interactive game that involves strategic risk and reward decisions. Players must balance the need to clear their campsite of critters with the temptation to direct animals to their opponents’ sites. The game is quick, lasting about 30 minutes, and is very portable due to its small-box design. The art is pleasant, featuring cute and cartoonish animal illustrations.

Pros

Fast-paced and Fun: Quick gameplay that keeps players engaged.

Strategic Depth: Special actions on cards add a layer of strategy.

Portable: Small-box game makes it easy to carry around.

Cute Art: Jovial and cartoonish animal illustrations.

Risk/Reward Mechanics: Exciting decisions around declaring “Scram!”.

Cons

Swingy Gameplay: Some cards, like the 13, can drastically swing the game’s outcome.

Luck-dependent: Draws can significantly impact the game, reducing skill-based influence.

Personal Thoughts on Scram

Scram is ideal for those who enjoy light-hearted, quick card games with a touch of strategy. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, or anyone looking for a fun, portable game to play with friends. The game’s simplicity and short playtime make it accessible to a wide range of players, while the strategic elements keep it engaging for those who enjoy a bit of challenge. However, players who prefer games with less luck and more control might find the swingy nature of Scram less appealing.

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