Coyote is a card game designed by Spartaco Albertarelli and first released in in 2003. The game is published by AURUM, Inc. and falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, deduction, and party game. With a player count of 3-6 players and a runtime of 20-30 minutes, Coyote is a quick and engaging game suitable for players aged 10 and above.
Game Components of Coyote
Player Cards: Each player receives one card, which they do not look at, and places it in a headband or card holder so others can see it.Basic Cards: Numbered cards ranging from -10 to 20, along with special cards like Thieves (-5), Monsters (-10), Indian Boy (0), Night Card (0), Indian Chief (X2), Indian Girl (MAX 0), and Treasure Chest.Special Cards: Indian Tal cards with features like Pass, Double, Reverse, Draw1, Change, and Shot.Peek Cards: Used to track player lives, with each player starting with three Peek cards.Headbands or Card Holders: To display each player’s card.
How To Setup Coyote
To set up *Coyote*, each player is given a headband or card holder. The deck of cards is shuffled, and each player draws one card without looking at it, placing it in their headband so that all other players can see it. An additional card is drawn and placed face down in the center of the table. Players start with three Peek cards, which are used to track their lives.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Mechanics
Bluffing: Players must guess the total value of all cards without knowing their own card.Deduction: Players deduce the total by looking at other players’ cards and the face-down central card.Bidding: Players take turns announcing a total they believe is less than the actual total or challenge the previous player’s bid.
Game Objective
The objective is to be the last player remaining with Peek cards. Players are eliminated when they lose all their Peek cards.On each turn, a player can either announce a number they believe is less than the total or challenge the previous player’s bid.When a challenge is made, all cards are revealed, and the total is calculated. If the total is less than the bid, the challenger wins; otherwise, the bidder wins.
Player Experience
*Coyote* offers a unique blend of bluffing and deduction, making it an engaging game for those who enjoy strategic guessing and psychological play. Players must constantly calculate and adjust their bids based on the cards they can see, while also trying to bluff their way to victory. The game requires attention to detail and a good understanding of probability and psychology.
Pros
Engaging Bluffing Mechanic: The game’s core mechanic of guessing without knowing your own card creates a thrilling bluffing experience.Beautiful Artwork: The game features stunning artwork by Yupik artist Zona Evon Shroyer, adding to its aesthetic appeal.Strategic Depth: Despite its simple rules, the game offers significant strategic depth, especially at higher player counts.Quick Setup: The setup is fast and straightforward, making it easy to start a new game.
Cons
Analysis Paralysis: The game can suffer from analysis paralysis, especially with more players, as the calculations can become complex and time-consuming.Longer Than Expected: Games can last longer than the advertised 15-30 minutes, especially with larger player groups.Downtime for Eliminated Players: Eliminated players may experience significant downtime, as the game does not speed up significantly with fewer players.
Personal Thoughts on Coyote
*Coyote* is ideal for players who enjoy bluffing games and are comfortable with strategic guessing and deduction. It is a great addition to any board game collection for those who appreciate games with a mix of luck, strategy, and social interaction. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer fast-paced games or those who get frustrated with extended periods of calculation and analysis.
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