Bested Another Time

Gotcha Gotcha Games · Board game · 2025
— Ludopedia 7.5 BGG 1–6 · best 6 Solo 15–25 min Weight 1.5/5
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— rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy fast, chatty card games, this title delivers with smooth mechanics and a fun theme.

Highlights
  • Smooth hand management
  • Quick ladder climb
  • Short playtime
Keep in mind
  • Limited deep interaction
  • Simple components
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About the game

What you do in a play session

The streets of Batish Columbia are still buzzing from the Batiff film festival that just wrapped. You and your colony of fruit‑eating bats drift into the local fruit stall, ready to trade movie impressions while munching on juicy drupes. The bat etiquette is simple: the player who ends a topic gets to start the next, but since these bats love to chatter, you’ll want to speak up before the fruit goes bad.

Bested Another Time turns that scene into a 15‑25 minute card game for 1‑6 players. Each participant manages their hand – deciding which cards to play, keep, or discard – while trying to climb the "ladder" of discussion topics. Passing your turn isn’t just a waste; it grants perks that can speed up your climb. Yet anyone who hasn’t yet climbed can keep playing, even solo, keeping the flow alive when someone bows out of a conversation.

The design is lightweight (weight 1.5/5) and uses traditional‑style cards, making the learning curve gentle. Hand Management forces you to think strategically about when to discard or hold a card, while Ladder Climbing creates a fun race to the top of the talk. Supporting 1‑6 players, it works great as a quick filler between larger games or as a solo pastime on a movie night. If you enjoy fast, thematic games that let you gab a little while you play, Bested Another Time will have you flapping with delight.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–6 players
1 REC
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
6 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Admin: Upcoming Releases Animals: Bats Card Games: Climbing Card Games: Shedding / Stops Components: Traditional Playing Cards
Publisher Gotcha Gotcha Games
Designer Taylor Reiner
Artist 別府さい (Sai Beppu)

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

247owners
178wishlist
38want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
1 to 6 players, suitable for solo play or a small group.
What is the playing time?
Typically 15–25 minutes, depending on player count.
How complex is the game?
Very low complexity (weight 1.5/5), easy to learn and play.
What components are included?
A traditional playing‑card deck with bat‑and‑fruit themed artwork.
Who is the game best for?
Anyone who enjoys quick, thematic games that allow chatting during play.

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