Catch the Mice

Albi, Gamewright, Sirius Products · Board game · 2009
2–4 · best 3 20 min Weight 1.1/5
rating Ludopedia
5.5 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
5.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy quick games packed with luck and a dash of player-stealing action, 'Catch the Mice' (or its 'Polar Derby' variant) is a sure bet!

Highlights
  • Fast and fun
  • Direct interaction
  • Easy to learn
  • Luck and risk
Keep in mind
  • Highly luck-dependent
  • Little strategic depth
  • Can get repetitive
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In 'Catch the Mice' (or 'Polar Derby', if you prefer the wacky version!), you step into the paws of a hungry cat (or a roller-skating bear, if you're feeling adventurous) with one mission: to fill your belly with colorful mice (or little bears on wheels). On your turn, roll the two dice and try your luck: if a color appears that you haven't collected yet, great, add that critter to your collection! But watch out, because if both dice show the same color, things get interesting: you can snatch a critter from one of your opponents!

The game invites you to push your luck. Want more? You can roll again, but if luck turns its back and you fail to catch any critter after a roll, everything you've gathered that round goes down the drain. It's the classic 'push your luck or lose it all' scenario that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. The hunt ends when there are no more mice (or little bears) left to catch. Whoever has the biggest collection of captured critters wins! It's a fast-paced, straightforward game with plenty of twists, perfect for those who enjoy a dose of luck with a touch of player interaction. Ideal for introducing kids to board games or for a lighthearted session with friends.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Bears Animals: Cats Animals: Mice
Publisher Albi, Gamewright, Sirius Products, Zvezda
Designer Reiner Knizia
Artist Alexey Kuznetsov, Mike Lester

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the minimum recommended age for 'Catch the Mice'?
The game is super simple and recommended for children aged 5 and up, but adults have fun too!
How many players can participate?
It works well with 2 to 4 players, perfect for families and small groups.
How long does a game usually last?
Games are quite fast, usually not exceeding 20 minutes. Ideal for those short on time!
Is the game very complicated to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very basic: roll the dice, grab the critter. Perfect for newcomers to board games.
Do you need to be able to read to play?
No! The game has no text and communication relies on the colors of the dice and critters, making it great for overcoming language barriers.
Is this game more about luck or strategy?
Luck with the dice is the main factor here! There's a little bit of decision-making about when to stop rolling, but it's heavily luck-based.

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