Eggs of Ostrich (2012) Board Game

Eggs of Ostrich is a card game released in 2012, designed by Shimpei Sato and published by conception. The game is designed for 3 players and has a runtime of approximately 10 minutes. It falls under the category of card games and utilizes hand management and simultaneous action selection as its main mechanisms.

Game Components of Eggs of Ostrich

4 sack cards per player (numbered 2, 3, 5, and 7)

5 claim cards per player (matching the sack numbers and a “skip” card)

12 egg cards (valued 4-10 eggs)

3 amber cards

Egg tokens

How To Setup Eggs of Ostrich

To set up the game, each player lays out their four sack cards in front of them, numbered 2, 3, 5, and 7. Each player receives a set of claim cards corresponding to their sack numbers and a “skip” card. The egg deck, consisting of 12 egg cards and 3 amber cards, is shuffled, and two cards are removed from the game. The remaining cards are placed face down within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rounds: The game consists of ten rounds.

Card Reveal: In each round, the top card from the egg deck is revealed.

Claim Card Selection: Players simultaneously choose and reveal a claim card from their hand.

Egg Distribution: Players who didn’t choose “skip” divide the eggs equally among themselves and place them in the corresponding sack.

Skip Mechanic: If an amber card is revealed, only the player who plays “skip” claims the amber, worth 4 points.

Sack Overload: If a sack contains more eggs than its capacity, it breaks, and all eggs in that sack are lost.

Scoring: After ten rounds, players score points for each sack that is exactly full or partially filled (half points for partial fills, rounded down). Amber cards are worth 4 points each.

Player Experience

Playing Eggs of Ostrich is a quick and engaging experience that demands strategic thinking and a bit of luck. Players must carefully manage their claim cards, predict their opponents’ moves, and balance the risk of overloading their sacks. The game is simple to learn but offers enough depth to keep players on their toes.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: The game lasts only about 10-15 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to think ahead and anticipate opponents’ moves.

Social Interaction: Encourages table talk and strategic guessing.

Portable: Comes in a small, compact box.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Strictly designed for three players.

Out of Print: Currently difficult to find due to being out of print.

Simple Artwork: The art is not particularly impressive, though it serves its purpose.

Personal Thoughts on Eggs of Ostrich

Eggs of Ostrich is a hidden gem perfect for game nights with friends. It’s ideal for those who enjoy quick, strategic games that require a mix of luck and foresight. While it may be challenging to find due to being out of print, it’s definitely worth the hunt for fans of hand management and simultaneous action selection games. This game is particularly suited for players who enjoy games like Sushi Go or other fast-paced, strategy-light games.

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