Couch Skeletons (2020) Board Game

Couch Skeletons is a card game released in 2020 by The Dusty Tophat. It is designed for 2 players and has a quick runtime of 5-10 minutes. The game falls into the category of card games with a focus on area majority/influence and tug of war mechanics.

Game Components of Couch Skeletons

80 cards, including skeleton cards and couch cushion cards

Rules of the game

The game is compact, making it ideal for travel, camping, or as a stocking stuffer.

How To Setup Couch Skeletons

To set up the game, players form a couch by laying out five separate couch cushion cards. Each player shuffles their deck of colored skeleton cards (purple and pink) and places the top card of their deck face up onto opposite ends of the couch. If the numbers on these cards are the same, players draw again until they get different numbers. The player with the highest numbered card goes first. Each player then draws three cards from their deck to start their hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Draw Cards: Players can draw three cards from their deck at the beginning of their turn.

Play Skeletons: Players place skeleton cards on the couch cushion spaces following specific rules:

On Top Rule: A skeleton card can be placed on top of another if the new skeleton’s number is one higher.

Beside Rule: A skeleton card can be placed beside another if the new skeleton’s number is one higher or one lower.

Discard Pile: Players discard a card to end their turn.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the first player to fill the couch with their skeletons, thereby covering all the couch cushion spaces.

Player Experience

**Couch Skeletons** is a fun, fast-paced game that is suitable for players of all ages. It encourages quick thinking and strategic planning but does not require extensive strategy or complex rules. Each game takes only 5-10 minutes to play, making it an excellent choice for a quick game night or as a travel game. The compact size and portability of the game add to its appeal.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game mechanics are simple and quick to understand.

Fast Gameplay: Games are short, lasting only 5-10 minutes.

Portable: The game is compact and ideal for travel or as a stocking stuffer.

Suitable for All Ages: It is enjoyable for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers some strategic depth without being overly complex.

Cons

Limited Strategy: Some players find the game lacking in additional layers of strategy.

Card Quality: There are mixed reviews about the quality of the cards.

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for two players only.

Personal Thoughts on Couch Skeletons

**Couch Skeletons** is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, enjoyable two-player game that is easy to learn and play. It is great for couples, families, or friends who want a light and fun gaming experience without the need for extensive setup or complex rules. The game’s portability and short gameplay make it an excellent choice for travel or as a filler game between longer sessions. While it may not be a favorite for experienced gamers seeking deep strategy, it is a great option for those who enjoy casual, fast-paced games.

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