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Trash Pandas (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Trash Pandas is a light-hearted card game that was released in 2017 by Red Rook Games. Designed by Lisa Eskue and Michael Eskue, this game is all about raccoons rummaging through trash cans to find the most valuable loot. With charming artwork by Kwanchai Moriya, Trash Pandas has gained popularity for its humorous theme and engaging gameplay.

Game Components of Trash Pandas

  • 54 cards featuring various trash items like pizza, candy, and other leftovers
  • 6 wooden tokens with different actions (draw, stash, steal, etc.)
  • 1 custom six-sided die
  • Rules of Play

    How To Setup Trash Pandas

    To set up the game, place the Token Actions card on the table for reference. The player who last took out the trash goes first. Shuffle the cards and deal them out based on the number of players: the first player gets 3 cards, the second gets 4, the third gets 5, and the fourth gets 6. The remaining cards form the “trash can” pile. Place the tokens and the die in the middle of the play area.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Objective:** The goal is to acquire and stash cards to score more points than other players by the end of the game.
  • Turn Structure:** Players roll a die to take corresponding tokens, which allow actions such as drawing cards, stashing cards, or stealing cards from other players.
  • Push-Your-Luck:** Players can continue rolling the die to take more tokens, but risk busting if they roll a symbol they already have.
  • Card Actions:** Cards can be used for special effects like re-rolling the die (Blammo!), blocking steals (Doggo and Kitteh), or forcing opponents to roll again.
  • Scoring:** Points are awarded based on the number of each type of card stashed, with the player having the most of a particular card type scoring the most points.

    Player Experience

    Trash Pandas is a quick and engaging game that typically lasts about 20 minutes. It is easy to learn but offers enough depth for strategic play, especially in managing risks and using card abilities effectively. The game is highly portable and features colorful, fun artwork by Kwanchai Moriya. However, it can be frustrating for players who experience bad die rolls or are targeted by multiple steal actions.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible to new gamers.
  • Strategic Depth:** Allows for planning and risk management.
  • Great Artwork:** Colorful and fun illustrations by Kwanchai Moriya.
  • Portable:** Easy to take anywhere due to its compact components.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for kids and adults alike.

    Cons

  • Luck-Based:** Bad die rolls can significantly impact gameplay.
  • Stealing Mechanics:** Can be frustrating when targeted repeatedly by steal actions.
  • Runaway Leader:** A player who rolls well early can have a significant advantage.
  • Token Quality:** Some reviews mention that the wooden token production could be better.

    Personal Thoughts on Trash Pandas

    Trash Pandas is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy light, fun games with a touch of strategy. It’s perfect for those who like push-your-luck elements and set collection mechanics. While it might not be the best fit for gamers seeking complex, high-control experiences, it is a great addition to any collection looking for a quick, entertaining game. For kids, it teaches probability and strategic thinking, making it a solid choice for family game nights.

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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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