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Trapper Keeper Game (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

The Trapper Keeper Game is a board game inspired by the iconic Trapper Keeper school supply line from the 1980s. It was released in 2019 by Big G Creative and is designed for 2-5 players aged 8 and up. The game takes players back to the nostalgia of their school days with its retro design and gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Trapper Keeper Game

  • Miniature Trapper Keeper folders** with three different designs, each with vertical pockets.
  • Locker cards** including homework, quizzes, detention notices, field trip slips, parental signature forms, and notes from friends.
  • Bell cards** that dictate the rounds and special card selection patterns.
  • Doodle scoring aids** printed on the inside of the folders.
  • Score pad** and **teacher’s pet marker** (an apple).

    How To Setup Trapper Keeper Game

    To set up the game, shuffle the locker cards and divide them into nine stacks, each with the top card turned face up. Choose a player to be the “teacher’s pet” who will manage the bell cards. Place the bell cards next to the grid, with the top card turned face up.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Set Collection: Players collect cards to stash in their Trapper Keeper folders.
  • Quizzes: Score points based on the quiz value (1, 2, or 3 points).
  • Homework: The player with the most homework cards gets 6 points, the second most gets 3 points.
  • Secret Notes: Score points for sets of unique notes (12 points for a full set, 6 points for three different notes, etc.).
  • Detention Notice: Score 2 points for each detention notice, unless you have the most, which scores 0 points.
  • Signature Cards: Pair with Field Trip or Report Card for scoring.
  • Doodles: Score points for the most red or blue doodles showing in the folder (5 points for the most, 2 points for the second most).
  • Card Selection: Players select cards from a 3×3 grid or follow patterns specified by the bell cards.
  • Rounds: The game consists of six rounds, with the teacher’s pet flipping over a new bell card at the start of each round.

    Player Experience

    The Trapper Keeper Game is designed for 2 to 5 players aged 8 and up, and it typically takes about 20 minutes to play. The game is light, easy to learn, and suitable for a variety of groups and ages. It captures strong nostalgia for those who used Trapper Keepers in school, with components and scoring well-integrated into the theme. Despite its simplicity, the game offers enough decisions to keep players engaged.

    Pros

  • Strong Nostalgia Value: Perfect for those who miss their school days.
  • Well-Integrated Theme: Components and scoring match the school theme.
  • Easy to Learn: Suitable for new gamers and families.
  • Quick Gameplay: Games last about 20 minutes.
  • Decent Decisions: Offers enough strategy for a light game.

    Cons

  • Only Available at Target: Not available online.
  • Not Groundbreaking: Mechanics are similar to other set collection games.
  • Storage Issue: The miniature Trapper Keeper can be hard to store.

    Personal Thoughts on Trapper Keeper Game

    The Trapper Keeper Game is ideal for those seeking a light, family-friendly game with a strong nostalgic appeal. It’s perfect for introducing new players to set collection games and is a great filler for gaming sessions. However, seasoned gamers may find it too simplistic. If you’re looking for a game to remind you of your school days or a quick, easy game for family game nights, the Trapper Keeper Game is a great choice.

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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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