Skip-Bo was a game I had heard of before I was sent a review copy. I mainly remember it because of its odd name, which, after a small amount of research, comes from Minnie Hazel "Skip" Bowman, who produced the first boxed version of the game in 1967. This game has been called many names over the years, like Spite and Malice and originated from things like Klondike and Russian Bank. Skip-Bo is a game like many other, get rid of your cards before your opponent by playing them to a pile in ascending order. What does Skip-Bo do to stand out in a crowded genre? Read on to find out.
A Brisk Setup
Skip-Bo can be set up in mere seconds. Shuffle the deck then deal a Stock Pile of cards, depending on player count and game length and you're ready to Skip-Bo. This game is another example of a small box card game which is quick to set up and can lead to several games in a row, especially due to how quick you can get going.
Simple….. And So Easy to Teach
Skip-Bo fits into the same game-space as Uno and games of that ilk. You know the sort, the kind of game you can explain in seconds and then everyone is off to the races. The kind of game your mum wants in on when she’s round, very simple entertainment and certainly well towards the lighter end of the game-weight spectrum.
As I described earlier, each player has a ‘Stock Pile’ and it's the first to get rid of this pile of cards that will win. The deck in Skip-Bo is made up of numbered cards and a few ‘Skip-Bo’ cards, which can serve as any number you wish. From a high-level, Skip-Bo is a very basic game, it does however have a few little strains of strategy hidden amongst its simple ruleset.
The Lay of the Land
Imagine the table laid out in front of you if you will. You have a hand of cards, you have 4 possible discard piles in front of you and there are 4 possible play piles in the centre of the table. It is how you use these areas, in conjunction with your Stock Pile that will determine how long your turn will last and therefore, how well you do against your opponents.
Turns
The first thing you do on your turn is draw back up to 5 cards. Then you must play cards from your hand, discard piles and your Stock Pile until you choose to or cannot play any more, you then discard 1 card to 1 of your 4 discard piles and the next player takes their turn.
In order to play a card you must play it to 1 of the 4 piles in the centre, it must also be the next card in numerical ascending order to the one it covers. You can start any of the 4 piles with a 1 or a Skip-Bo, which can stand in for any card. As soon as a pile has a 12 placed on it, the pile is discarded and can be started afresh.
Combo’s, Stock Piles and Clever Discarding
The top card of your Stock Pile is always face up and is your top priority. After all, getting rid of these will win you the game. This is where clever discarding and holding back cards you may be able to play is the clever way to play. Firstly, you can see your opponents Stock Pile card and playing cards to the centre of the table that will enable them to play is a big no-no but also, discarding to your 4 piles intelligently and setting up runs of cards you can play on your turn will hold you in good stead.
There is also a massive bonus to playing all 5 of your cards in your hand, you get to re-draw and play again. It really does feel great to do this, playing card after card from your Stock Pile, discard piles and from your hand in massive runs is moreish and very rewarding.
The Components
There’s not much to speak of here, Skip-Bo is just a deck of cards. While the cards are not linen-finish or top notch in quality, they are perfectly fine for the game’s low price point and its family-based audience.
Final Thoughts
Even though Skip Bo is very luck and draw dependant, there are small chances to apply some strategy and make some intelligent plays. Choosing what cards to discard and setting up massive runs is brilliant and making sure not to leave the door open for your opponent is rewarding.
Skip-Bo is not the most in depth game you will play and is nowhere near the top of my top games of all time, however, it is entertaining, especially with new players and with people who do not play board games very much.
While it is not a game I would suggest very often, I would happily play anytime, especially when I know someone who really, really likes Skip-Bo. (Yes, I am talking about you…..)
