Happy Salmon
- Players
- 3-8
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 6 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 2 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 6+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.1 / 5
- Year
- 2016
About the game
Happy Salmon is a simple, ultra-fast, and delightfully silly card game with no turns at all. Players race to call out the action shown on their cards, and when two players' cards match, they perform the action together, from a classic high five to the frantic Switcheroo. Each celebration lets a player discard a card, and the first person to empty their hand wins. It's pure chaotic energy packed into a two-minute round.
Hobbli's Notes
Happy Salmon is one of the fastest icebreakers on the market, and it never fails to get a room laughing. There's no strategy to speak of, just pure reflexes and silliness, which makes it an easy sell to non-gamers. We keep a copy in our bag for exactly the moments when a group needs an instant energy boost. It's short enough to play five times in a row without anyone getting tired of it.
What we like
- Extremely fast rounds keep energy and laughter high.
- No reading or strategy needed, so anyone can jump in instantly.
- Physical actions make it a great icebreaker for new groups.
- Tiny box makes it easy to bring anywhere.
Keep in mind
- Offers essentially no strategic depth.
- Can get repetitive after many consecutive plays.
- The chaotic real-time nature isn't for players who prefer calm, orderly turns.
Who it's for
Perfect for kids and adults alike, ages 6 and up, in groups of 3-8 looking for a quick, high-energy icebreaker.
