Hold Your Breath! (2014) Board Game

Hold Your Breath! is a card game designed by Mike Groves and published in 2014 by Mayday Games. It is a nautical-themed game that combines elements of hand management and push your luck mechanics. The game is geared towards children aged 6 and up, making it a family-friendly option for game night.

Game Components of Hold Your Breath!

Dive Deck: Consists of 68 cards with Air or Swim values and action effects.

Action Cards: Allow players to calm their pirate, cause another to panic, draw more cards, or make another player discard a card.

Sea Creatures: Include a dolphin (wild card), a shark (causes panic), and a Kraken (removes shark or forces card discard).

Anchor Tokens: Mark the depth each pirate reaches.

Panic and Shark Cards: Special cards that affect gameplay.

How To Setup Hold Your Breath!

To set up, shuffle the Dive Deck and deal five cards to each player. Each player starts at the surface of the board. The game is divided into two phases: Descent and Ascent.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Descent Phase: Players take turns playing cards from their hand to dive deeper. Each turn, a player must play at least one Air card to avoid panic. Swim cards can be played but must total equal to or less than the Air cards.

Ascent Phase: Players move their pirates back to the surface, using the same card mechanics as the Descent phase.

Game Objective: The player who dives the deepest and returns to the surface first wins. If the last card is drawn from the Dive Deck, the player who reached the surface after diving the furthest wins.

Player Experience

Players experience a constant internal struggle as they manage their cards, weighing the risk and reward of each decision. The game offers meaningful interactions, allowing players to hinder their opponents’ progress. The dual-purpose cards add depth, making each decision significant. The feeling of desperation, especially during the Descent phase, keeps players engaged and entertained.

Pros

Dual-Purpose Cards: Make each decision meaningful.

Player Interaction: Handles interaction perfectly, allowing players to upend opponents’ plans.

Competitive Games: Leads to very close and competitive outcomes.

Simple Yet Tense: A simple premise that results in entertaining and tense games.

Cons

Iconography: Slightly confusing, which can affect initial gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Hold Your Breath!

**Hold Your Breath** is a great addition to any gaming collection, especially for those looking for a light filler game. It’s ideal for players who enjoy hand management and player interaction without the complexity of longer games. The game’s balance of risk and reward makes it appealing for both casual and experienced gamers, making it a perfect start to any game night. With its engaging mechanics and competitive nature, it’s a game that will keep you coming back for more.

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