Absolutely Aces

Absolutely Aces is a lightning‑fast card duel that pits two squads of WWI‑era cats piloting tiny aircraft against each other in a feline dogfight. Both players start with their hands open, so everyone can see the opponent's cards. Each card represents an aerial maneuver that can block or be blocked by specific other cards. When you play a card that your opponent cannot counter, you win the round and score points equal to the winning card's value. The goal is to reach at least fifteen points over a series of rounds.

The core of the game is about forcing your opponent to react, creating dead‑locks until you find the moment to break through. This "must‑react" dynamic makes Absolutely Aces a timing and hand‑reading exercise, perfect for fans of quick, tactical showdowns. A typical match lasts around ten minutes, and the learning curve is gentle thanks to the minimal rule set and clear card icons.

The cat‑pilot theme adds an unexpected charm to the historic setting, turning serious aerial combat into a whimsical, personality‑filled spectacle. Originally released as a free Print & Play gift during Hollandspiele's December 2018 sale, you can print the cards at home or download the digital version for online play. Despite its simplicity, the open‑hand management creates a strategic layer that keeps the game fresh even after many plays.

If you want a rapid two‑player duel with easy rules, high replay value, and a dash of feline humor, Absolutely Aces delivers all that in under ten minutes. It works great as a quick filler between longer games, a casual warm‑up, or a short‑session showdown with a friend.