Go Nuts for Donuts (2017) Board Game

Go Nuts for Donuts is a card game designed by Zachary Eagle and published by Gamewright in in 2017. The game falls into the categories of bluffing, card game, and deduction, with gameplay centered around open drafting and set collection mechanics. The game is suitable for 2 to 6 players, with a recommended player count of 4 to 5, and has a runtime of approximately 20 minutes. The age recommendation for Go Nuts for Donuts is 8 and up.

Game Components of Go Nuts for Donuts

70 donut cards

42 player cards

7 donut row markers

Rules of Play

How To Setup Go Nuts for Donuts

To set up the game, deal a number of donut cards face up onto the table, equal to the number of players plus one. Each player receives a set of player cards for bidding. The donut row markers are used to keep track of the donuts available for bidding.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Set collection card game

Mechanics: Secret bidding, set collection, and strategic thinking

Objective: Earn the most points by collecting donut cards.
– Each round, players secretly bid on donut cards by choosing a number card that matches the donut they wish to bid on.
– If only one player bids on a donut, they collect it; if multiple players bid on the same donut, it is discarded.
– Donuts have different point values and some have special powers.
– The game ends after all donuts have been collected or discarded, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Go Nuts for Donuts offers a delightful and strategic experience. Players must balance their desire for high-scoring donuts with the risk of other players choosing the same donut, leading to a mix of numerical strategy and psychological guessing. The game is easy to learn but has a significant depth of strategy, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Pros

Accessible Mechanics: Easy to learn and play.

Family Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Variety in Donut Cards: Different point values and special powers keep the game interesting.

Strategic Thinking: Combines long-term strategy with psychological guessing.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last about 20 minutes.

Cons

Frustration with Multiple Players: Higher player counts can lead to frequent instances of players not getting any donuts due to multiple bids on the same card.

Less Engaging with Two Players: The game lacks charm with only two players, making choices somewhat obvious.

Can Be ‘Mean’: The mechanics can lead to rounds where players get no cards, which might be frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Go Nuts for Donuts

Go Nuts for Donuts is an excellent addition to any family game night or a light filler game for gaming groups. It is particularly suited for families with children aged 8 and above, as well as casual gamers looking for a fun and strategic game. While it may not replace more complex games like Sushi Go for experienced gamers, it offers a unique blend of strategy and fun that makes it hard to resist. If you enjoy set collection games with a twist, Go Nuts for Donuts is definitely worth a try.

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