You’ve Got Crabs (2018) Board Game

You’ve Got Crabs’ is a card game that was released in 2018 by the publisher Exploding Kittens. The game was designed by Matthew Inman and Elan Lee, who are also the artists behind the game. It falls under the categories of animals, card games, and humor party games, and is suitable for players aged 7 and above.

Game Components of You’ve Got Crabs

78 crab-themed cards

28 mini crab points

1 turn indicator

Optional expansion includes a wild card and a pair of rubber crab claws

How To Setup You’ve Got Crabs

To set up the game, players split into teams of two. Each team privately decides on a secret signal, such as touching their nose or blinking repeatedly. Players sit across from each other and draw cards from the deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Collect Four of a Kind: Players draw cards and try to collect four of the same card.

Pass the Signal: When a player gets four of a kind, they must use their secret signal to alert their teammate.

Yell “You’ve Got Crabs!”: If the teammate sees the signal and yells “You’ve Got Crabs!”, the team gains a point.

Opponent Interference: If an opponent sees the signal and yells “You’ve Got Crabs!” first, the team loses a point.

Winning the Game: The team with the most points wins.

Player Experience

You’ve Got Crabs is designed for families, friends, and groups of all sizes who enjoy playful competition and teamwork. It is easy to learn, with simple rules that can be picked up in about 5 minutes. The game is quick, lasting around 15-20 minutes, and is perfect for game nights, parties, or casual gatherings. Players appreciate the variety of cards, the humorous artwork by The Oatmeal, and the interactive nature of the game.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to most school-aged kids and adults.

Interactive and Fun: Encourages teamwork, sneaky signaling, and laughter.

Quick Games: Perfect for short gaming sessions.

Nice Presentation: Comes with a sweet box and cute little drawers.

Expansions Available: Includes fun additions like rubber crab claws.

Cons

Rules Can Be Cumbersome: Some players find the rules a bit complex despite the overall simplicity.

Choking Hazard: Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts.

Limited Replayability: Some players might find the game repetitive after multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on You’ve Got Crabs

You’ve Got Crabs is ideal for anyone who enjoys light-hearted, social games that promote teamwork and laughter. It’s a great addition to any party game collection and is suitable for a wide range of ages (7+). The game is perfect for families, friends, and groups looking to add a fun and interactive element to their gatherings. If you’re a fan of Exploding Kittens or enjoy games with a humorous twist, You’ve Got Crabs is definitely worth checking out.

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