Sturgeon (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sturgeon is a card game released in 2010, designed by Chuck Whelon and published by Minion Games. It falls under the categories of Animals, Card Game, Party Game, and Print & Play. The game is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 10 and above. The game is known for its quick gameplay, lasting around 20 minutes, and its main mechanic is set collection.

Game Components of Sturgeon

A deck of 60 cards, including minnows, bass, sturgeons, Swim cards, Chase cards, Weeds cards, School cards, and Fisherman cards.

A single-page rule sheet.

The cards feature colorful cartoon art, though they are printed on lightweight stock which can show wear quickly.

How To Setup Sturgeon

To set up the game, players sit around a table, forming the “lake.” Each player has a display area in front of them where they will play their cards face-up. The deck is shuffled and distributed evenly among the players, though the exact number of cards per player is not specified.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Set Collection: Players collect and play cards to build up their fish collection.

Card Play: Cards are played to eat smaller fish and grow larger ones.

Stealing: Special cards like Swim cards allow players to steal fish from other players.

Defense: Cards like Weeds and School increase the cost of stealing, while Chase cards reverse the turn order.

Game Objective

The first player to have two sturgeons in their display area wins the game.

To achieve this, players must first collect minnows, then use them to play bass, and finally use the bass to play sturgeons.

Player Experience

**Sturgeon** is a fast-paced game with a simple yet engaging concept. Players must balance building their own fish collection with the strategic use of special cards to disrupt their opponents. The game is easy to learn but can be challenging to master, especially with the dynamics of stealing and defending fish. However, the lightweight card stock and some design issues, such as the scarcity of certain cards, can detract from the overall experience.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players aged 10 and up.

Fast-Paced: Games can be completed in about 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and fun family activity.

Strategic Depth: The use of special cards adds a layer of strategy and interaction among players.

Portable: The compact size makes it ideal for travel and display at store counters.

Cons

Card Durability: The cards are printed on lightweight stock and can show wear quickly.

Card Balance Issues: The game suffers from an imbalance in card distribution, particularly with the number of minnows and sturgeons.

Incomplete Rules: Some rules, such as the use of the Fisherman card, are not clearly specified.

Personal Thoughts on Sturgeon

**Sturgeon** is best suited for families or casual game groups looking for a quick, light-hearted game. While it has some notable flaws, such as card durability and balance issues, it still offers a fun and interactive experience. For those who enjoy simple card games with a bit of strategy, **Sturgeon** can be an entertaining addition to their game collection. However, serious gamers may find the game too simplistic or frustrating due to its design limitations.

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