Cabanga! (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cabanga! is a card game designed by Michael Modler and published by AMIGO in in 2023. The game is suitable for 3-6 players, with the best experience recommended for 4-5 players. It has a quick runtime of around 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a fun and fast-paced gaming session. The game is targeted towards players aged 8 and above, making it suitable for families and casual gamers.

Game Components of Cabanga!

4 row cards

8 grey starting cards

72 number cards (1-18 in each of the four colors)

Penalty pile

Pen and paper for scoring

How To Setup Cabanga!

To set up the game, place the 4 row cards in a vertical line in the middle of the table. Shuffle the 8 starting cards and place one face up to the left and right of each row card. These starting cards initiate the two discard piles for each color. Shuffle the number cards and deal 8 cards to each player, keeping them hidden in hand. The remaining number cards form the face-down penalty pile above the row cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Get rid of your hand of cards as quickly as possible while minimizing penalties.

Gameplay:
– Players take turns placing one card from their hand onto the row that matches the color.
– If a card creates a number gap between it and the previous card in the row, other players can shout “Cabanga!” and throw cards that fit within this gap at the active player.
– The active player must then discard these thrown cards and draw an equal number of cards from the penalty pile.
– A round ends when a player has no cards left in their hand.
– Players score points based on the cards remaining in their hand, with icons on the cards indicating their point values.

Winning Condition: The game ends when a player reaches 18 or more negative points. The player with the fewest negative points wins.

Player Experience

Cabanga is known for its laugh-out-loud moments and interactive gameplay. Players need to be strategic about which cards to play to avoid creating large gaps that can trigger the “Cabanga!” call. Good memory skills can help, especially in remembering which cards have already been played to minimize the risk of penalties. The game is more about managing your hand and waiting for the right opportunity to play rather than deep strategy.

Pros

Interactive and Fun: Encourages player interaction and can lead to humorous moments.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Quick Gameplay: Rounds are short, lasting about 20 minutes.

Social: Ideal for playing with 3-6 players, making it a great addition to game nights.

Cons

Limited Strategy: The game does not require complex strategy, which might not appeal to players looking for deeper gameplay.

Luck Element: The outcome can be influenced significantly by the cards drawn and the actions of other players.

Personal Thoughts on Cabanga!

Cabanga is perfect for those looking for a light-hearted, entertaining game to start or end a game night. It’s a great choice for families and casual gamers who enjoy interactive and fun experiences. However, players seeking more strategic depth might find it less engaging. Overall, Cabanga is an excellent addition to any game collection for its ability to bring laughter and excitement to the table.

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