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Hats (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Hats is a card game released in 2019 designed by Paolo Voto and published by ThunderGryph Games. It is a novel-based game that falls into the categories of Card Game and Set Collection. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of 20-30 minutes and is recommended for players aged 14 and above. The game features hand management, set collection, and team-based gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Hats

  • 42 hat cards** in seven different suits/colors
  • Tea table board** for card exchanges
  • Scoring napkin** (a dry erase board)
  • Dry erase marker**
  • Non-edible plastic cookie**
  • Hat cards deck**

    How To Setup Hats

    To set up **Hats**, start by placing the tea table board within reach of all players. Shuffle the hat cards to form the draw deck and place it next to the tea table board. In a 2-player game, remove two suits of hat cards; for 3 or 4 players, use all 42 cards. Draw hat cards to fill the tea table board: five spaces for 2 players and six spaces for 3 or 4 players. Each player is dealt nine hat cards, kept secret. The player who most recently ate a cookie starts the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Players take turns** exchanging a hat card from their hand with a card on the tea table board or playing a card face down as a black hat.
  • Optional action: Discard a card and draw from the draw deck, or exchange with a partner in a 4-player game.
  • Scoring categories:
  • Hat Collection: Points based on the position of matching hat types on the tea table board.
  • Favorite Hat: Points for hat cards matching the final card in hand, minus the value of the final card.
  • Last Cookie: Points for having the most different types of hat cards, with black hats counting as a type.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Hats** is a delightful and strategic experience. Each turn requires careful consideration to maximize the value of your hat collection, protect your favorite hat, and compete for the last cookie. The game is simple to teach but demands attention and strategic thinking from players. The colorful and unique artwork, along with the dry erase scoring napkin and plastic cookie, enhance the game’s presentation and immersion.

    Pros

  • Visually appealing: Colorful artwork and well-produced components.
  • Strategic depth: Requires thoughtful decision-making each turn.
  • Quick gameplay: Games typically last a short duration.
  • Easy to learn: Simple rules but with depth for strategy.

    Cons

  • Color differentiation: Some colors, like orange and red, can be hard to distinguish in dim light.
  • Potential for king-making: Public scoring cards can lead to strategic imbalances.

    Personal Thoughts on Hats

    **Hats** is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a light yet strategic card game. It’s perfect for those who enjoy games that require tactical thinking without being overly complex. The game’s short playtime and beautiful components make it a great addition to any game collection. However, players seeking highly complex or long-duration games might find **Hats** a bit too simplistic.

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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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