Sapotagem (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sapotagem is a card game designed by Lucas Ribeiro and released in in 2015. It is a game that combines elements of set collection and trick-taking, making it a unique and engaging experience for players. The game is designed for 3-6 players, with a runtime of 20-30 minutes, making it a great option for game nights or casual gatherings.

Game Components of Sapotagem

58 Cards

20 Jump markers

Sleeves (57.5 mm X 89.0 mm)

How To Setup Sapotagem

To set up Sapotagem, each player becomes a member of the Agentes do S.A.P.O. (Sistema Anfíbio de Pulos e Operações). The deck is shuffled, and each player receives a hand of cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The top card of the draw pile is turned over and placed beside it to determine the trump suit for the first round. Players arrange their captured cards in rows on their play area, separated by faction symbols.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Hand Management, Set Collection, Trick-taking, Forcing Luck

Game Objective: Each player aims to capture factions of animals by winning tricks. The player who wins a trick takes all the played cards and the trump card. Points are awarded based on the number of faction symbols collected: up to 3 symbols are positive points, 4 to 6 symbols are negative points, and 7 or 8 symbols turn positive again. Cards labeled as “bombas relógio” (clock bombs) deduct points unless a player collects all four.

Player Experience

Sapotagem offers a fun and engaging experience with easy-to-learn rules, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced players. The game is relatively short, lasting about 20 minutes, and supports 3 to 6 players. The unique theme of amphibian agents capturing animal factions adds a humorous and imaginative twist. Players must balance collecting sets without accumulating too many symbols of the same faction, which can lead to negative points.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it a great introduction to card games.

High Replayability: With 25 different game variants, the game stays fresh and exciting.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Quick Games: Average game duration is 20 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful decision-making to manage point collection.

Cons

Repetitive Play: Some players find the game repetitive if played frequently.

Limited Theme Impact: The theme, while fun, does not significantly influence gameplay.

Manual Quality: Some users have reported issues with the manual’s clarity.

Personal Thoughts on Sapotagem

Sapotagem is an excellent choice for families or casual game nights. It’s a great filler game that provides a light, enjoyable experience without requiring a significant time commitment. The game’s versatility and multiple variants ensure that players can keep exploring different strategies and themes, making it a valuable addition to any board game collection. However, for those seeking complex, deeply strategic games, Sapotagem may not offer enough depth.

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