Shit! (1996) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Shit! is a card game that was released in 1996 and designed by Jürgen Martens. It falls under the category of Auction/Bidding and Simultaneous Action Selection games. The game is suitable for players aged 8 and above, with a playing time of around 20 minutes. It is a fun and fast-paced game that involves players bidding and strategizing to win rounds.

Game Components of Shit!

Deck: One regular 52-card deck.

Players: 2 to 5 players, best with at least three.

Cards: Standard ranking with special powers for 2’s and 10’s.

How To Setup Shit!

To set up **Shit**, each player starts with three cards face up on the table, three cards face down, and a hand of three cards. The remaining cards form a draw pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards.

Gameplay:
– Players take turns playing cards or sets of equal cards face-up on a discard pile.
– Cards must be of equal or higher rank than the previous play.
– If a player cannot play, they must pick up the entire discard pile.
– Special cards: 2’s and 10’s have unique powers (e.g., clearing the pile).
– Face-down cards are played blindly when a player has no face-up cards left.
– The last player holding cards is the loser, known as the “shithead.”

Player Experience

Playing **Shit** involves strategic planning and a bit of luck. The game requires players to carefully manage their hand and table cards, using the special powers of 2’s and 10’s to their advantage. The game is engaging and can be quite intense, especially as players near the end and try to avoid picking up the discard pile.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The game is highly interactive and requires strategic thinking.

Social Interaction: It encourages players to pay close attention to each other’s moves.

Quick Games: Games are typically short, making it a great filler game.

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it easy for new players to join.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game has a significant element of luck, especially when playing face-down cards.

Punitive Forfeits: The loser often has to perform a task, like making tea or shuffling the cards, which some players might find annoying.

Limited Strategy: While there is strategy, some players might find the game too dependent on luck.

Personal Thoughts on Shit!

**Shit** is a great game for those who enjoy quick, social card games with a touch of strategy. It is ideal for groups of friends who want to have fun without committing to a long, complex game. However, players who prefer games with deep strategic layers or minimal luck might find **Shit** less appealing. Overall, it’s a fun and easy-to-learn game that’s perfect for casual game nights.

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