# Cat in the box

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2020
- **BGG Rating**: 7.0
- **BGG Rank**: #3204
- **Players**: 3-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 30-45 min
- **Weight**: 1.87 / 5
- **Designers**: Muneyuki Yokouchi (横内宗幸)
- **Artists**: Osamu Inoue (井上磨)
- **Publishers**: Ayatsurare Ningyoukan, Fun Games Shop
- **Categories**: Animals, Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Enclosure, Hand Management, Predictive Bid, Trick-taking

## Verdict
If you enjoy trick‑taking with a quirky quantum twist, Cat in the Box will hook you – the fun lives in the bids and the paradoxes.Engaging bid strategyDynamic hand managementCharming cat themeUnusual learning curveFrequent paradox riskRECOMMENDED

## Description
Cat in the Box is a Japanese card game that blends trick‑taking with a dash of quantum mechanics. Played by three to four players for 30‑45 minutes, it works well as a casual meetup or a night‑cap. At the start, each player bids how many tricks they expect to win, based solely on the numeric values of their cards because the colors are still unknown. When a card is played, the player declares its color and places a marker on the communal research board, blocking that value‑color combination. Subsequent cards must use different values of the same color, unless a player announces they have no more of that color and plays the same number in a different color, marking a “Do Not Have” on their personal board. Red serves as the trump suit, but a crucial rule is that no value‑color may repeat within a round. If a duplicate occurs, a paradox erupts, the round ends instantly, and the paradox‑causer receives a penalty. The gameplay is a tightrope walk between trying to hit your bid and avoiding paradoxes. Each trick earned scores points, and fulfilling your bid grants a bonus. After three (or four) rounds, the highest total wins. The game delivers mental tension, requiring you to predict opponents' cards, manage your hand, and monitor the board to avoid dead‑ends. The cat theme and quantum‑flavored flavor add charm, making it perfect for players who enjoy light yet strategic games with a humorous scientific twist.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
3 to 4 players.

### What is the playing time?
Approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on the number of rounds.

### How complex is the game?
Light to moderate – the color‑declaration and paradox rules may need a few plays to get comfortable.

### What components are included?
Numbered cat cards, color markers, a communal research board, and personal ‘Do Not Have’ markers.

### Who is the game best suited for?
Players who enjoy card tricks, strategic bidding, and a quirky scientific or feline theme.

## Price Comparison
### Best Offers in Brazil
- **Javali Jogos**: R$ 218,40 (https://www.javalijogos.com.br/jogo-cat-in-the-box?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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