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Pups (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Pups is a card game designed by David Jackson and released in in 2016. The game is centered around adorable pups and is suitable for 2 to 5 players aged 8 and up. The game features auction/bidding and trick-taking mechanics, making it a fun and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Pups

  • 45 Pup Cards: Values 1-9 in 4 different suits (Family Dogs, Guard Dogs, Lap Dogs, Working Dogs) and 9 Mutt cards.
  • 42 Bid Cards: Two-sided, depicting Reward Treats or Penalty Poos.
  • 7 Top Dog Cards**.
  • 5 Score Pile Cards**.
  • Pup Token**.
  • Original Instructions**.

    How To Setup Pups

    To set up Pups, separate the four types of Bid cards into individual stacks and place them near the center of the table. Place the seven Top Dog cards in a stack alongside the Bid cards. Each player receives a Score Pile card. Select one player to be the first leader, who shuffles the deck of Pup cards and deals seven cards to each player. One card is dealt faceup onto the Alpha Dog card to determine the Alpha Suit (trump) for the round.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Bidding Phase: Players bid on the number of showdowns they think they can win using their Pup cards. Bids are made by choosing a Bid card, which can be rebid if a previous bid failed.
  • Showdown Phase: The leader starts each showdown by playing a Pup card, establishing the suit. Players must play a card matching the suit if possible, or any card if they don’t have a matching suit. Mutt cards can be played to increase the value of a regular Pup card or as their own unique suit.
  • Reward and Penalty: Players earn Reward Treats for successful bids and Penalty Poos for failed bids. The player winning the most tricks in a round receives a Top Dog card.
  • Game Objective: The player with the most Reward Treats, minus Penalty Poos, at the end of the game is declared the winner and Top Dog.

    Player Experience

    In Pups, players take on the role of aspiring dog trainers aiming to win big at the dog show. Each round, they gather a new pack of lovable pups and bid on their performance. The game combines strategic bidding with the excitement of trick-taking, making it engaging and suspenseful. The use of Mutt cards adds a layer of complexity and strategy, as players must tactically decide when to use these versatile cards.

    Pros

  • Engaging Gameplay: Combines bidding and trick-taking for a dynamic experience.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
  • Variable Length: Games can be extended or shortened based on game conditions, such as ties for Top Dog.
  • Strategic Depth: Mutt cards and rebidding mechanics add layers of strategy.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor: The random deal of cards can significantly influence gameplay outcomes.
  • Complexity for Younger Players: While the game is family-friendly, younger players might find the bidding and Mutt card mechanics challenging to grasp initially.

    Personal Thoughts on Pups

    Pups is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, interactive card game. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy trick-taking games and are willing to engage in a bit of strategic planning. The game’s theme and mechanics make it appealing to dog lovers and non-dog lovers alike, providing a delightful and competitive gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a highly complex or deeply thematic game, as it leans more towards light-hearted, family-friendly entertainment.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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