Why I Otter (2019) Board Game

Why I Otter is a card game designed by Aaron Andrew Wilson and published by Button Shy in in 2019. The game features adorable otters engaging in a battle of wits and strategy, making it a fun and light-hearted experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Why I Otter

18 cards

No complex board or additional components

How To Setup Why I Otter

Setup is minimal. Shuffle the 18-card deck, remove one card from the game, and deal three cards to each player. Place one card face-up to form the River, and you’re ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Trick-taking

Tableau-building

Strategic card placement

Game Objective

Recruit otters to your otter party by winning tricks.

Each round involves revealing a neutral card and players choosing cards from their hands.
– If two cards have an orange circle/up arrow, the highest card wins.
– If two cards have a purple triangle/down arrow, the lowest card wins.

The winner decides where the three cards go: one to each player’s Den and one to the River.

After four rounds, players score points based on the cards in the River and the criteria set by the cards in their Den.

Player Experience

**Why I Otter** offers a quick and engaging game experience with a delightful theme. Players must strategically choose cards to win tricks, controlling which cards end up in their Den and the River. The game requires guessing and adapting to the opponent’s moves, adding a layer of excitement and challenge. It doesn’t feel like a traditional trick-taking game due to the lack of leading and following, but it gains in tableau-building strategies.

Pros

Simple and quick gameplay (only four rounds)

Delightful and colorful theme

Strategic depth in card placement and trick-winning

Portable and compact (wallet game)

Cons

Limited player count (only 2 players)

High reliance on strategy might not appeal to casual players

Risky gameplay can lead to unpredictable outcomes

Personal Thoughts on Why I Otter

**Why I Otter** is ideal for fans of quick, strategic card games, particularly those who enjoy two-player competitive games. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a compact, easy-to-learn game with a fun and engaging theme. The game’s simplicity and elegance make it a standout in the Button Shy Games collection, perfect for those seeking a cutthroat yet enjoyable gaming experience.

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