Where’s Bob’s Hat? (1990) Board Game

Where’s Bob’s Hat? is a board game that was released in 1990 by Piatnik. It is a trick-taking card game designed by Alan R. Moon and illustrated by Franz Vohwinkel. The game is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 10 and above. Where’s Bob’s Hat? falls under the category of card games and features a fun and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Where’s Bob’s Hat?

Deck: Consists of three colored suits, each with cards numbered 1 to 20.

Bob’s Hat Cards: Special cards that feature Bob’s Hat in addition to the suit’s hat, worth plus or minus 10 points.

Player Bidding Tokens: For players to bid on the number of cards they think they will capture.

Scoreboard and Scorekeeping Mechanism: To track points earned or lost during the game.

How To Setup Where’s Bob’s Hat?

To set up the game, players first shuffle the deck and deal out a number of cards that increases with each round, depending on the number of players. Each player then receives their hand, and the remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The top card from the draw pile is turned over to determine the trump suit for the round, or if there is no trump suit.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-taking Mechanics: Players take turns playing cards from their hand, with the goal of capturing the most cards in one or more suits.

Bidding System: Players bid on which suit(s) they think they will capture the most cards in, or if they will capture the fewest cards.

Bob’s Hat Cards: Winning a trick with a Bob’s Hat card adds or subtracts 10 points from the player’s score.

Scoring: Points are awarded for fulfilling bids and penalties are given for missing bids.

Game Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Where’s Bob’s Hat? is best enjoyed with 3 or 4 players, though it can accommodate 2 to 5 players. The game strikes a balance between strategy and luck, requiring players to make intelligent bids based on the cards they have. The increasing number of cards per hand and the addition of Bob’s Hat cards add a layer of complexity and excitement. Each game typically lasts around 45 minutes, making it a engaging yet manageable session.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The bidding system and trick-taking mechanics offer a good balance of strategy and unpredictability.

Replay Value: The random distribution of cards and the variable number of rounds ensure each game is different.

Family Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and up, making it a great family game.

Quick Setup: Easy to set up and start playing.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may need a few rounds to fully understand the bidding and scoring system.

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck, which may not appeal to players seeking pure strategy.

Availability: The game may be harder to find due to its age and relatively niche popularity.

Personal Thoughts on Where’s Bob’s Hat?

Where’s Bob’s Hat? is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a game that combines strategy with a touch of luck. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy card games and are looking for something a bit different from the standard fare. While it may not be as complex as some modern board games, its simplicity and engagement make it a delightful addition to any game collection. If you’re a fan of trick-taking games and enjoy bidding mechanics, Where’s Bob’s Hat? is definitely worth a try.

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