Spot it! (2009) – Board Game Guys

Dobble, also known as Spot It!, is a popular card game that originated in France in 2009. The game was created by Denis Blanchot, a journalist and game designer, who was inspired by a set of cards designed by French mathematics enthusiast Jacques Cottereau in 1976. The game has gained popularity due to its simplicity, observation, articulation, and speed requirements.

Mathematics:

The game’s mechanics are based on geometry, with the arrangement of symbols on the cards following a specific pattern. The game corresponds to the finite projective plane of order 7, resulting in a structure with 57 lines and 57 points.

Popularity:

Dobble became the UK’s best-selling game in 2018 and 2019. It has been published with more than 100 different themes, including various licensing partnerships such as the National Hockey League and “hip” (moustaches and bicycles).

Gameplay Mechanics

Players have to find symbols in common between two cards. The game is played with a deck of 55 cards, each with 8 unique symbols.

Game Components of Spot it!

Cards: 55 circular cards, each featuring eight different symbols.

Symbols: A total of 57 unique symbols, such as animals, signs, and objects.

Packaging: Typically comes in a distinctive round tin.

Variations: Numerous themed versions, including Halloween, hockey, baseball, and more.

How To Setup Spot it!

To set up the game, shuffle the deck of 55 cards and place them within reach of all players. Depending on the mini-game, the setup can vary:

For the basic game, one card is revealed, and then another.

For “The Tower” mini-game, each player starts with one card facedown, and the rest are stacked between the players.

For “Triplet,” nine cards are arranged in a 3×3 grid.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Pattern Recognition, Speed Matching.

Objective: Find the one symbol that is common between two revealed cards.

Gameplay:
– Basic Game: Players take turns revealing cards and claiming the card with the matching symbol.
– The Tower: Players simultaneously reveal their cards and the top card from the stack, with the first player to spot the match claiming the card.
– Triplet: Players find sets of three cards sharing the same symbol, removing those cards and replacing them with new ones from the deck.

Player Experience

Playing **Spot it** is a fast-paced, exhilarating experience that demands quick reflexes and sharp observational skills. The game is designed for 2 to 8 players, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or parties. The various mini-games ensure that each playthrough is unique and engaging.

Pros

Fast-Paced: Encourages quick thinking and reaction.

Educational: Enhances cognitive development, particularly in children.

Versatile: Multiple themed versions and mini-games available.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

High Replayability: Endless permutations with different card combinations.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to players seeking more complex strategies.

Repeated Gameplay: Some players might find the repetitive nature of the game tedious.

Luck Element: Success can depend on the cards drawn rather than pure skill.

Personal Thoughts on Spot it!

**Spot it** is an ideal game for families, classrooms, and anyone looking for a fun, quick game that tests observational skills. It’s particularly beneficial for children, as it promotes cognitive development and enhances pattern recognition abilities. For adults, it offers a light-hearted, entertaining experience perfect for social gatherings or a quick break from more complex games. With its wide range of themes and variations, **Spot it** caters to various interests and age groups, making it a versatile addition to any game collection.

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