Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition

Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition

AnimalsCard Game
Players
2-5
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
4 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
40 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
13+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
2.0 / 5
Year
2022

About the game

Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition is a quantum trick-taking game for 2-5 players where a card's suit isn't fixed until the moment it's played, letting you retroactively shape your hand's identity. Players bid on how many tricks they'll win, then place tokens on a shared research board, connecting groups to score bonus points. The paradox rule, where you can't repeat a color already claimed for a card's number, forces careful, forward-thinking play. This deluxe edition adds upgraded components, a recessed board, and a custom insert. It's a clever, fast-playing puzzle wrapped in trick-taking mechanics.

Hobbli's Notes

This is one of the smartest twists on trick-taking we've seen in years. The quantum superposition idea sounds gimmicky on paper but plays out as a genuinely satisfying logic puzzle every hand. A great pick for groups who already like trick-taking and want something meatier.

What we like

  • The quantum card mechanic creates a genuinely unique trick-taking puzzle.
  • Playtime of around 40 minutes keeps sessions brisk.
  • Scales smoothly from 2 to 5 players.
  • The deluxe components and insert add real table presence.
  • High replayability since every hand plays out differently.

Keep in mind

  • Newcomers to trick-taking may need a round or two to grasp the paradox rule.
  • The bidding and token placement can cause analysis paralysis for cautious players.
  • Less appealing to players who dislike trick-taking as a genre.

Who it's for

Fans of trick-taking card games and logic puzzles, ages 13 and up, playing in groups of 2-5.

Mechanics

EnclosureHand ManagementAuction / BiddingTrick-taking

Games similar to Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition