Who’s the Ass? (2004) Board Game

Who’s the Ass? is a fun and entertaining card game designed by Wolfgang Kramer and released in in 2004. The game is published by 999 Games and is suitable for 3 to 12 players, with a playing time of around 30 minutes. The game falls under the category of card games and involves elements of hand management and ladder climbing.

Game Components of Who’s the Ass?

104 cards numbered from 1 to 13 (8 cards of each rank)

5 joker cards

1 ass card

1 rules booklet

How To Setup Who’s the Ass?

To set up the game, each player is dealt a number of cards, usually 13, but fewer if there are a large number of players. The player who is dealt the ass card leads the first trick. Setup time is less than 5 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Trick-taking

Card ranking and strategy

Game Objective

The objective is to get rid of your cards as quickly as possible.

Players must play cards in tricks, with each trick led by a player who plays one or more cards of the same rank.

If a player leads the ass card, it triggers an “ass round” where all players must play exactly one card from their hand.

Jokers can substitute for any other card or have a value of 14 if played as a single card.

The game ends when one or more players run out of cards, and points are scored based on the cards left in each player’s hand.

Player Experience

Playing **Who’s the Ass?** is a fun and strategic experience. The game requires strategic thought, as players need to balance holding onto low cards to avoid taking the ass while also trying to win tricks to clear their hand. The unpredictable nature of the ass card adds an element of surprise and humor to the game.

Pros

Large Player Capacity: Supports 3-12 players, making it a great option for large groups.

Quick Setup: Setup takes less than 5 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Requires strategic thinking to manage your cards effectively.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above.

Cons

Complexity for Younger Players: The rules and strategy might be a bit complex for younger players to grasp immediately.

Luck Factor: The game has a medium chance element, which can affect the outcome.

Personal Thoughts on Who’s the Ass?

**Who’s the Ass?** is perfect for families, large groups, or anyone looking for a light-hearted yet strategic card game. It encourages social interaction and quick thinking, making it a great addition to any game night. However, it might not be the best fit for very young children due to the complexity of the rules. Overall, it’s a fun and engaging game that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players.

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