CABO (Second Edition) (2019) Board Game

CABO, originally released in 2010, is a card game designed by Mandy Henning and Melissa Limes. The Second Edition, released in 2019, includes updated artwork by artists Agus Muqith and Klára Svačinová. Published by Bézier Games, CABO falls under the category of card games with a fantasy theme, focusing on hand management, memory, and set collection mechanics.

Game Components of CABO

Card Deck: Includes cards with values from 0 to 13, as well as special ability cards (Peek, Spy, Swap).

Player Cards: Each player starts with 4 face-down cards.

Scorepad: For tracking points.

Box and Inserts: The standard edition has a tuckbox with a foam insert, while the Deluxe Edition features a nicer double-deck box and enlarged scorepad.

How To Setup CABO

To set up CABO, shuffle the deck and deal 4 face-down cards to each player. Each player can peek at two of their cards before the game begins. Place the remaining deck in the middle of the table and flip one card face-up to form the discard pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

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

Card Exchange: Players can exchange the drawn card with one or more of their own cards, provided the cards match. If they don’t match, the player keeps all the cards and may receive a penalty.

Special Abilities:

Peek: Look at one of your own cards.

Spy: Look at another player’s card.

Swap: Exchange a card with another player.

Calling CABO: A player can call “CABO” if they believe they have the lowest score. This ends the round, and other players get one final turn. If the caller has the lowest score, they score 0 points; otherwise, they score their total plus 10 points.

Player Experience

CABO offers a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages. The game combines elements of memory and strategy, making it accessible and enjoyable for both children and adults. The special abilities and the option to call “CABO” introduce tactical depth and excitement, often leading to big moments and laughs during gameplay.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy for new players to join.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last about 45 minutes.

Replay Value: High replayability due to the random nature of the card draws and player interactions.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and up, making it a great family game.

Strategic Depth: Allows for tactical play and hand management.

Cons

Box Quality: The standard edition’s tuckbox and foam insert are not highly praised.

Swap Mechanic: Can be annoying when players swap with you after you call “CABO”.

Kamikaze Risk: The risk of getting 50 points from other players if you have two 12s and two 13s can be significant.

Personal Thoughts on CABO

CABO is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a light, fun, and interactive card game. It’s perfect for family game nights, casual gatherings, or even as a quick filler game. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with strategic depth makes it appealing to a wide range of players. While the standard edition’s packaging may not be the best, the Deluxe Edition offers a much-improved experience with better components and additional features.

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