That’s Not a Hat (2023) Board Game

That’s Not a Hat’ is a party game designed by Kasper Lapp and published by Korea Boardgames and Ravensburger. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 3-8 players aged 8 and above. The game falls under the categories of bluffing, memory, and party game, making it a fun and engaging choice for game nights with friends and family.

Game Components of That’s Not a Hat

110 beautifully illustrated cards: Each card features a different everyday object, such as a hat, a bucket, or a traffic cone.

User-friendly rulebook: Clear instructions to get you started quickly.

Compact packaging: Perfect for home or travel.

How To Setup That’s Not a Hat

To set up the game, each player receives a card with an item on it, placed face up in front of them. The first player draws the first card from the deck, reveals the item, and passes it to another player based on the direction indicated by an arrow on the back of the card. Players announce what they are passing, and the recipient turns the card face down before passing their own starting card in the specified direction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Memory: Players must remember the objects on the cards as they are passed around.

Bluffing: Players can bluff about the object on the card to deceive others.

Penalty Points: If a player incorrectly identifies an object, they receive a penalty point.

Objective: The first player to collect three penalty points loses the game, making the other players the winners.

Player Experience

That’s Not a Hat is a game that evolves from simple to chaotic as rounds progress. Initially, players can easily track the items, but as cards are passed and turned face down, remembering becomes increasingly difficult. The game induces laughter and excitement as players bluff and sometimes incorrectly identify items, leading to penalty points. It encourages light trash talking and mutual teasing, adding to the fun and social interaction.

Pros

Hilarious Moments: The game often leads to laugh-out-loud moments as players forget or misidentify items.

Bluffing and Memory: Combines both bluffing and memory skills, making it engaging and challenging.

Quick and Easy: Games last only 15 minutes, and the rules are simple to learn.

Fun for All Ages: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Cons

Memory Dependence: Players with poor memory may find it difficult to keep up, creating a skill gap.

One Trick Pony: The game’s mechanics, while fun, do not offer much variety, which might limit repeated play.

No Reset Mechanism: Once a player scores a point, the game can sometimes feel like it drags on until the end.

Personal Thoughts on That’s Not a Hat

That’s Not a Hat is perfect for those looking for a quick, fun, and light-hearted party game. It’s ideal for family nights, gatherings, or travel due to its compact packaging and simple rules. While it may not offer the depth or variety of more complex games, it excels in providing laughter and entertainment, especially in groups with a mix of ages. However, players who take games very seriously or those with exceptional memory skills might find it less challenging or less engaging over time.

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