We are a family that plays and owns a lot of board games and card games. This is one game that has appealed to all of our kids beginning at age 4, an age when there are few good games beyond classics like Chutes and Ladders or Candyland. Our older kids now continue to enjoy playing it with the younger ones, who often beg to play it after school and don't need an adult to play along. I also like that the game has some opportunity for different kinds of strategy and not just luck. It was recommended to us originally at our local toy shop, which is owned by a guy who really knows his games, and the game has also won lots of awards, so we gave it a go. We've since bought several more for birthday gifts and even to respond to our school's request to send in good "rainy day" games, which we thought the teachers would appreciate it because it doesn't have a lot of small parts, the game goes fast and can accommodate an odd number of multiple players, and the box doesn't take up too much room in the classroom.
The goal of the game for each player is to have the lowest total score at the end of the game, based on four cards placed in front of each player, where the low numbers have a corresponding picture of cats and the high numbers are rats (and the middle cards are combinations of rats and cats); the cards are numbered 0-9. The gist of the rules: each player gets four cards at the start of the game, placed face down, and can look at the *two outer cards only* before play begins but must put them back face down. Once play begins, the players can't look again if they forget! (The instructions provide that players might keep the outer cards face up when playing with younger players, but we never did.) Each player therefore also has two cards in the middle that are "mystery cards" at the start of the game. Each turn, a player has an opportunity to either draw a card or take the card on the top of the discard pile. For example, if Player A draws a "2" and thinks that is better than one of his/her mystery cards, it will replace a mystery card with the 2 and discard the mystery card face up on the discard pile, always keeping cards in front of him/her facedown. But sometimes the discarded mystery card turns out to be a good, low number card, which can then be picked up by Player B. Watch out, though, because the game also includes a "Swap" card that, when drawn, lets another player swap a card with any other player, so all eyes will watch where a low discard card goes if Player B takes it, in case a swap opportunity arises! The game also includes a few "Peek" cards that, when drawn, allow the player to peek at one of his/her cards. As soon as a player thinks he/she has the lowest total, he/she knocks the table and says "Rat a Tat Cat!" and all players get one more turn before the game ends, and all cards are turned over and tallied.
It teaches kids about memory, simple math, poker faces (don't look too excited when you see a low number or you'll be vulnerable to a lousy swap!), and the merits of different strategies, including waiting until a player *knows* the value of all his/her cards to "rat a tat cat" or be willing to take a risk and end the game early when he/she knows only three and hopes that the unknown "mystery" card is a low number.
Similar items that ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn morePRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Climate neutral by ClimatePartner certifies the carbon footprint of a product was calculated and all associated emissions were offset.
cute fast and fun
always been a family favorite, had to buy a new one since our last one was over 10+ years old, 100% recommend for a fun night
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2024
