Ugh! (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ugh! is a card game released in 2012, designed by John Kovalic and published by Calliope Games. The game is set in a prehistoric era and involves players collecting sets of cards to earn points. With a runtime of 15 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Ugh! offers a quick and fun gaming experience for 2 to 6 players.

Game Components of Ugh!

Cards: 110 standard-sized playing cards, including number cards (1-5) in three colors (green, orange, purple), wild cards, and Ugh cards.

How To Setup Ugh!

To set up the game, shuffle the entire deck and place it in the center of the table. Designate imaginary piles to the left and right of the deck: the left pile is the discard pile, and the three piles on the right are the safety piles. Each player should also reserve space for their score pile and a space for cards they’ve taken but haven’t used yet to create sets. The youngest player goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Set Collection: Players aim to collect sets of three cards, one of each color.

Hand Management: Manage cards to create sets while avoiding Ugh cards.

Push-Your-Luck: Decide whether to draw more cards or take cards from the safety piles.

Objective: The player with the most points, calculated by multiplying the values of the cards in each set, wins the game.

Player Experience

**Ugh** offers a simple yet engaging gameplay experience with a caveman theme. Players must balance the risk of drawing Ugh cards, which can hinder their progress, against the reward of collecting high-value sets. The game requires strategic thinking about when to take risks and when to play safe, making it interesting and challenging.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are typically short and fast-paced.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn, but with enough depth for strategy.

Engaging Mechanics: The push-your-luck element keeps players on edge.

Light Strategy: Players need to think strategically about managing their cards.

Cons

Luck Factor: Drawing Ugh cards can significantly impact gameplay.

Limited Depth: Some players may find the game too simple or repetitive.

Dependence on Card Draw: The game heavily relies on the luck of the draw.

Personal Thoughts on Ugh!

**Ugh** is ideal for players who enjoy light, quick games with a mix of luck and strategy. It is suitable for families and casual gamers who are looking for a fun, easy-to-learn game that still offers some depth in its mechanics. However, players seeking complex, long-term strategies might find **Ugh** too simplistic. Overall, it’s a great addition to any game collection for those who appreciate quick, engaging gameplay sessions.

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