Game Review: Crabs in a Bucket
Today’s review is for Crabs in a Bucket, a crab-themed strategy card game for 2-6 players.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary game for review from Timberdoodle. All views expressed are my own.
Crabs in a Bucket
Have you heard of crabs in a bucket mentality? I hadn’t heard it called that before, but apparently it’s similar to the The Dog in the Manger fable from Aesop. In other words, “If I can’t have it, neither can you.” And that’s the premise of the Crabs in a Bucket game. It is a strategy card game for 2-6 players, recommended for ages 10 and up.
What’s Included
Crabs in a Bucket is nicely packaged in a sturdy box with a lift-off lid. It includes the rules booklet, a handy playing mat, six rule cards (enough so each player can have one to refer to throughout the game), and 74 playing cards.
The cards are similar to standard playing cards in that they have your typical suits (club, diamond, heart, spade) and numbers, but there are many more Joker cards than in a regular deck. The Joker cards are labeled with various species of crabs, and each one has a different rule associated with it. That’s where the strategy comes in.
How to Play
The game is really not all that complicated but there is a beginner’s learning curve to it. However, the first page of the rulebook says, “STOP! Do not read this rulebook. Scan this QR code instead to watch the video!”
I ignored that. I’m a reader, not a video-watcher, so I was sure the rulebook would be easier for me to follow. I was wrong. As it turns out, it’s better to watch the video and then go through the rulebook. It makes much more sense that way.
Initial gameplay is similar to Crazy Eights or Uno, but that’s where the similarity ends. The Joker cards, which come up randomly, add twists and turns to keep players on their toes as they reevaluate their strategy after every turn.
The instruction booklet includes QR codes for each of the Joker crabs with hints for optimal combos and strategies.
And watch out for that Lobster card. You don’t want it! You automatically lose the game if you try to play it.
My Thoughts
My family enjoys playing Crabs in a Bucket. It’s great for friendly competition, lots of teasing, and laughs. Each hand only takes 5-15 minutes to play, which is perfect for when you want a quick game. The small size makes it convenient to take along on family vacation.
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