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Herding Cats (2012) Board Game

ByMichail

Herding Cats is a fun and light-hearted card game that was released in in 2012. Designed by Garrett J. Donner, Michael S. Steer, and Roland L. Tesh, this game is perfect for players of all ages, with a recommended age of 6 and up. The game is all about collecting sets of adorable cats, making it a great choice for animal lovers and families.

Game Components of Herding Cats

  • 84 beautifully illustrated cat cards**
  • No complex boards or pieces**, just a simple, compact card set
  • Attractive and minimal packaging** with no plastic packaging around the box

    How To Setup Herding Cats

    To set up Herding Cats, players start by forming pairs. Each pair must come up with a **secret code or signal** related to cats to communicate with each other during the game. The dealer distributes **4 cards to each player** and places **4 cards in the center of the table**. Players can swap their cards with those in the center, ensuring they always hold only **4 cards in their hand**.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Fast-paced card grabbing: Players grab cards from the center without taking turns.
  • Secret signals: Pairs use their secret code to communicate when one of them has collected four identical cat cards.
  • Bluffing and competition: Other teams can call out suspicious behavior, adding a layer of bluffing and competitiveness.
  • Objective: Collect **four identical cat cards** and use the secret signal to alert your partner, who then shouts “cool cats” to claim the point.

    Player Experience

    Herding Cats is a game that promises lots of laughs and excitement. It is **easy to learn**, taking only 2 minutes to understand the rules, and **quick to play**, with games lasting about 20 minutes. The absence of turn-taking makes the game **messy and competitive**, perfect for family gatherings or casual game nights. The game’s simplicity and the use of secret signals add a fun and silly element, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.

    Pros

  • Easy to learn and play**
  • Suitable for a wide age range** (6+ years)
  • Quick game duration** (20 minutes)
  • Encourages teamwork and communication** within pairs
  • Minimal and eco-friendly packaging**
  • High replayability** due to its fast-paced nature

    Cons

  • Limited depth in gameplay mechanics**
  • Can be expensive** for what is essentially a pack of cards (£11.99)
  • May not be engaging for very young children** (e.g., a 5-year-old might struggle)

    Personal Thoughts on Herding Cats

    Herding Cats is an excellent choice for families, casual game enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a light-hearted, fun experience. It is particularly great for groups of 4 to 12 players, making it ideal for larger gatherings. The game’s simplicity and the element of secret signals ensure that it remains entertaining without being overly complex. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, it more than makes up for it with its infectious energy and laughter-filled moments. If you’re looking for a game that is easy to pick up and can be enjoyed by all ages, Herding Cats is a purrfect addition to your game collection.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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