Sushi Go! A Fast-Paced Card Drafting Game That Will Leave You Craving More!

Have you ever craved sushi so badly that you’d race your friends for the last piece of nigiri? Sushi Go!, a delightful card drafting game designed by Phil Walker-Harding, captures this whimsical frenzy and serves it up on a platter of pure fun. Get ready to dive into a world where maki rolls are coveted treasures and tempura is the key to victory!

Sushi Go! is a simple yet deceptively strategic game for 2 to 5 players. The objective is straightforward: collect the best combination of sushi cards to earn the most points. Each player starts with a hand of cards, representing various types of sushi, desserts, and special dishes. On their turn, they simultaneously choose a card from their hand and pass the rest to the player on their left. This “drafting” mechanic continues until all cards are gone, forming individual sushi sets.

At first glance, Sushi Go! may appear like a light-hearted card game best suited for casual gatherings. However, beneath its adorable artwork and approachable rules lies a depth of strategic decision-making that can surprise even seasoned gamers. Each card has unique scoring rules and interacts with other cards in intriguing ways.

Navigating the Delicious Delights: Understanding Sushi Go! Card Types

Sushi Go! presents players with a delightful array of sushi dishes, each represented by beautifully illustrated cards. Mastering these cards is key to maximizing your score. Here’s a taste of what awaits you on your culinary adventure:

• Maki Rolls: These delectable rolls come in sets of one, two, or three pieces. Players aim to collect the most maki rolls of the same size to earn bonus points. A single maki roll earns one point, a pair nets three points, and a trio bestows six luscious points!

• Nigiri: Nigiri sushi consists of a ball of rice topped with a piece of seafood or other ingredients. Each nigiri card depicts a specific topping, such as salmon, squid, or egg.

Collecting sets of matching nigiri earns players points, ranging from one to three points per set, depending on the type.

• Sashimi: These exquisite slices of raw fish are highly sought-after in Sushi Go! Collecting sashimi cards earns two points per card, making them a valuable addition to your sushi collection.

• Tempura: This crispy, deep-fried delight rewards players with five points for each set of two tempura cards.

• Dumplings: Like plump little treasure chests, dumplings grant you three points for each set of two.

• Wasabi: Wasabi adds a spicy kick to Sushi Go! by doubling the points of the next sushi card played. This powerful condiment can turn the tide in your favor if used strategically.

Chopsticks Clacking and Points Racking Up: Gameplay Mechanics

Sushi Go! utilizes a simple yet elegant drafting mechanic that keeps players on their toes. Here’s how it works:

1. Deal and Draft: At the start of each round, each player is dealt a hand of cards. Players simultaneously choose a card from their hand and pass the rest to the player on their left. This continues until all cards have been drafted.

2. Build Your Sushi Sets: As you draft cards, aim to collect sets of matching sushi types (maki rolls, nigiri, sashimi, tempura, dumplings).

3. Scoring: Once all cards have been drafted, players reveal their collected sets and score points accordingly. Remember the point values for each card type!

4. Repeat Rounds: Sushi Go! typically consists of three rounds. After scoring, deal a new hand of cards and repeat the drafting process.

5. Winner Takes All:

The player with the highest total score after all rounds wins the game!

Sushi Go!: More Than Just A Bite-Sized Game

Sushi Go! boasts several features that elevate it beyond a mere “party” game:

• Accessibility: The rules are straightforward, making Sushi Go! easy to teach and learn. Even first-time gamers can grasp the core mechanics quickly.

• Strategic Depth: While simple on the surface, Sushi Go! offers surprising strategic complexity. Players need to weigh their options carefully during each draft, anticipating what cards their opponents might be collecting and adjusting their own strategy accordingly.

• Fast-Paced Fun: Rounds are quick and engaging, keeping the energy level high throughout the game.

Sushi Go!’s streamlined gameplay ensures that no one gets bored waiting for their turn.

Expanding Your Sushi Universe: Expansions and Variations

For those who crave even more sushi delights, Sushi Go! offers several expansions that add new card types and exciting twists to the gameplay:

• Sushi Go Party!: This expansion doubles the player count and introduces exciting new cards like pudding, chopsticks, fortune cookies, and a mischievous cat that steals points.
• Sushi Go Round: Get ready for a delightful carousel of sushi! Sushi Go Round introduces a rotating conveyor belt mechanic, adding a layer of spatial awareness to the drafting process.

Sushi Go!: The Pick Up & Deliver Card Game: This standalone expansion takes the core mechanics of Sushi Go! and applies them to a fun pick-up-and-deliver game with adorable animal chefs collecting ingredients and fulfilling orders.

Ready to Roll?

Sushi Go! is a delightful card game that perfectly balances strategic depth with accessibility and fast-paced fun. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night with friends or looking for a quick and engaging tabletop experience, Sushi Go! will satisfy your cravings for sushi and strategic satisfaction. So gather your chopsticks, choose your cards wisely, and prepare for a delightful culinary adventure!