Cat Box (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cat Box is an abstract strategy card game designed by Aza Chen and released in in 2015. The game has garnered a lot of attention for its unique combination of pattern building and animal themes. Players take on the role of cats competing to claim the best spots in the cardboard box.

Game Components of Cat in the Box

High-quality cards with white edges on the backs

CHONKY translucent plastic heavyweight double-sided player tokens

Recessed player boards and central research board

Score pad

Custom plastic insert for organization

Adorable cat mini as the first player marker (in the Colossal edition)

Larger, deluxe components including bigger player boards and a customizable central research board (in the Colossal edition).

How To Setup Cat in the Box

To set up Cat in the Box, players first place the central research board in the middle of the table, which features numbers 1-9 in all four colors. Each player receives a player board and a set of tokens. At the beginning of each round, players bid on how many tricks they think they will win, and then each player discards one card face down to the center of the table. The remaining cards are dealt to the players, and the game is ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-Taking: Players play cards from their hand, declaring the color of the card.

Color Declaration: Cards have no predefined color until played.

Following Suit: Players must follow the lead color if possible; otherwise, they declare they have no cards of that color.

Paradox: Avoid causing a paradox by playing a card that contradicts the existing color declarations.

Bidding: Players bid on the number of tricks they will win at the start of each round.

Area Control: Place tokens on the central board to create contiguous areas for bonus points.

Scoring: Score points for winning tricks and creating large contiguous areas on the board.

Player Experience

Cat in the Box offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players need to balance winning tricks with managing their hand to avoid paradoxes. The game requires careful planning and adaptability as the colors of the cards are determined by the players’ declarations. It plays well with 2-5 players, but the best experience is often reported with 4 or 5 players due to the increased complexity and interaction.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The game introduces a fresh twist on traditional trick-taking with the color declaration system.

High Replayability: The game’s outcomes are highly dependent on player interactions, making each game unique.

Strategic Depth: Combines trick-taking with area control and bidding, offering multiple layers of strategy.

Engaging Gameplay: Encourages active participation and strategic thinking from all players.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a learning curve due to its unique mechanics.

Paradox Risk: Managing paradoxes can be challenging and may lead to penalties.

Dependence on Player Count: While it plays with 2-3 players, it is more engaging with 4-5 players.

Personal Thoughts on Cat in the Box

Cat in the Box is ideal for fans of trick-taking games looking for a new challenge. It is perfect for those who enjoy strategic games with a high level of player interaction. The game’s unique mechanics make it stand out in the card game genre, and its deluxe components enhance the overall gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and the need for careful planning.

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