Cover Up (2006) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cover Up is an abstract strategy board game released in 2006 by Out of the Box Publishing. Designed by Rudell Design and featuring artwork by Cathleen Quinn-Kinney, the game is designed for 2 players and has a runtime of 10–15 minutes. Players must use their memory and pattern-building skills to cover up spaces on the game board.

Game Components of Cover Up

Game Board: A moulded plastic board featuring a pattern of raised dots in different colors.

Tiles: Each player receives seven tiles; one player gets straight tiles, and the other gets “L” shaped tiles. All tiles cover exactly three dots.

Color Scheme: The board includes seven dots of each color, arranged in what appears to be a random configuration.

How To Setup Cover Up

To set up the game, each player selects their set of tiles. The board is already configured with the colored dots, so no additional setup is required beyond distributing the tiles to the players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players take turns placing their tiles on the board, ensuring that each tile covers exactly three dots.

Color Restriction: One player picks a color at the start of the game; neither player can place a tile that covers a dot of this chosen color.

Game Objective: The first player who cannot legally place a tile loses the game.

Solo Variant: There is an additional solo challenge where the player must place all tiles to leave only one color visible.

Player Experience

Cover Up is a game that emphasizes spatial awareness and strategic thinking. It is simple yet engaging, making it suitable for players of all ages. The game is quick, typically lasting a few minutes, and can be played in a “best of five” format for a more competitive experience.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward and easy to understand.

Quick Games: Matches are short, lasting around a few minutes.

Suitable for All Ages: Appropriate for children and adults alike.

Solo Option: Includes a solo variant for single-player challenge.

Cons

Color Blindness Issue: The game’s reliance on colors can be problematic for players with color blindness.

Limited Complexity: The game may be too simple for some players seeking more complex strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Cover Up

Cover Up is an excellent choice for those looking for a light, casual game that can be enjoyed in short sessions. It is particularly suitable for families or for players who enjoy abstract, tile-laying games. However, it may not appeal to those seeking more complex or long-duration gaming experiences. Despite its simplicity, Cover Up offers a fun and challenging experience that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players.

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