Cahoots (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cahoots is a cooperative card game that was released in 2018 by Gamewright. Designed by Ken Gruhl, the game is known for its unique gameplay mechanics that require players to communicate and collaborate in order to achieve a common goal. With a runtime of around 20 minutes, Cahoots is a quick and engaging game that can be enjoyed by players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Cahoots

Two decks of cards: number cards (1-7 in four colors, with two copies of each) and goal cards (50 cards with various requirements).

How To Setup Cahoots

To set up Cahoots, you create a deck of goal cards based on the desired difficulty level and the number of players. For example, a two or three-player game at Normal difficulty uses 18 of the 50 goal cards. You then place four number cards on the table and lay out the first four goal cards above them. Each player is dealt four number cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to complete goals.

Limited Communication: Players cannot discuss the cards in their hand but can talk about the goals they are aiming for or the piles they plan to play to.

Card Matching: Players play one number card per turn to one of the four piles on the table, matching either the number or the color.

Completing Goals: Goals are satisfied when the specific requirements (e.g., certain colors or numbers) are met, and new goals are drawn once completed.

Winning Condition: The game is won if all goals are completed. It is lost if the number card deck runs out or a player cannot make a legal play.

Player Experience

Cahoots offers a dynamic and engaging experience, particularly for those who enjoy limited communication cooperative games. The game’s simplicity makes it easy to learn, yet the varying goal combinations ensure high replayability. Players must balance their plans with the limitations of what they can communicate, adding a layer of tension and teamwork. The game is equally enjoyable at all player counts, though some may find it more chaotic and exciting with more players.

Pros

High Replayability: The random goal deck ensures each game is different.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new gamers.

Adjustable Difficulty: Changing the number of goal cards allows for easy adjustment of difficulty.

Engaging Teamwork: The limited communication mechanic adds a fun and challenging layer to the game.

Cons

Quick Game End: A bad hand can lead to quick game failure.

Lack of Theme: The game lacks a thematic element, which might make it less engaging for some players.

Color Confusion: Some players mix up the pink and purple cards.

Artwork: The speech bubble artwork may not align well with the game’s mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Cahoots

Cahoots is a fantastic addition to any board game collection, especially for those who enjoy cooperative games with limited communication, such as The Mind or Codenames Duet. It is an excellent choice for both casual and experienced gamers, working well as a pub game or a family game. However, if you prefer games with strong thematic elements or more complex mechanics, Cahoots might not be the best fit for you.

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