Coyote (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Coyote is a card game released in 2020 that takes place in the American West. Designed by Zona Evon Shroyer and published by HeidelBÄR Games, Coyote is a party game that combines elements of bluffing and humor with a touch of math. With a runtime of 15-25 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Coyote is best played with 4-5 players, although it can accommodate 3-6 players.

Game Components of Coyote

Cards: Numbered from -10 to 20, including special cards like Question Mark, Max 0, Max -, x2, and Zero.

Peek Cards: Used for inspecting the face-down card in the middle of the table.

Player Bases: For holding the cards so other players can see them.

Art and Design: Featuring striking metallic finish cards and art by Yupik artist Zona Evon Shroyer.

How To Setup Coyote

To set up *Coyote*, each player is dealt one card, which they place in their base without looking at it. This ensures all players can see each other’s cards except their own. An additional card is placed face down in the middle of the table, which can be inspected using Peek cards. The game is ready to start once all players have their cards in place and the central card is laid down.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Bluffing: Players bid on the total value of the cards without knowing their own card.

Deduction: Players must deduce the total value based on the cards they can see.

Special Cards: Cards that alter the total value, such as doubling or negating the highest value card.

Game Objective

Bidding: Players take turns bidding on the total value of the cards.

Challenging: A player can challenge the previous bid, leading to the revelation of all cards.

Elimination: Players lose Peek cards when they lose a challenge. The game ends when one player remains with Peek cards.

Player Experience

*Coyote* offers a unique blend of bluffing and mathematical deduction, making it a engaging yet sometimes slow-paced game. Players must constantly calculate and adjust their bids based on the cards they see and the actions of other players. The game’s thematic art and luxurious production quality add to the experience, but the gameplay can be taxing, especially at higher player counts. This can lead to analysis paralysis and extended play times, which may not align with the advertised 15-minute gameplay.

Pros

Thematic Art: The game features stunning art by a Yupik artist, adding to its cultural and aesthetic value.

Bluffing Mechanics: The game’s unique bluffing mechanics, where players see all cards except their own, create a fascinating and challenging experience.

Luxurious Production: The cards have a striking metallic finish, enhancing the game’s overall presentation.

Cultural Significance: Lightly themed around the Coyote character from indigenous North American cultures, adding a layer of cultural depth.

Cons

Slow Gameplay: The game can be slow, especially with higher player counts, due to the complex calculations involved.

Analysis Paralysis: Players may spend too much time deliberating on their bids, leading to extended play times.

Eliminated Players: The game does not speed up as players are eliminated, which can lead to waiting times for those who are out of the game.

Personal Thoughts on Coyote

*Coyote* is ideal for those who enjoy bluffing games with a strong deductive element. It’s a great choice for players who appreciate thematic depth and luxurious game components. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for quick, fast-paced games or those who prefer simpler gameplay mechanics. The game’s unique blend of bluffing and deduction makes it a standout in its category, but it requires a certain level of patience and strategic thinking.

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