Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Chummy is that auction game that puts you in the shoes of a shark, where cunning and reading your opponents are worth gold! If you enjoy a fierce competition, with a touch of 'push your luck' and the tension of deciding the right time to bite or leave a fatter bait for the next player, this is your dive. The proposal of scoring less is super interesting and reverses the logic of many games, making the experience very refreshing. It's a quick game, perfect for opening or closing a game night.
Highlights
- Auction with exciting twists
- Objective to score less
- Direct interaction and bluffing
- Risk and reward decisions
- Quick and easy to learn
Keep in mind
- Can be a bit chaotic
- Depends on player interaction
- Theme might not appeal to everyone
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About the game
What you do in a play session
In Chummy, you'll dive into the ocean depths and embody a cunning shark in a competitive auction game for 3 to 6 players. Here, the objective is a bit peculiar: accumulate the fewest points possible, either by collecting sets of cards or, cleverly, avoiding certain cards altogether. Each round begins with a card being revealed from the deck. On your turn, you have a crucial decision: 'chum it' or 'bite it'. By 'chumming it', you pass your turn but add a token to the card in question, making it more attractive to subsequent players. By 'biting it', you take the card for yourself, along with all the tokens that have accumulated on it. The deck consists of numbered cards, with eight cards of value 8, seven of value 7, and so on, down to a single card of value 1. Each card rank has point values that can vary widely, depending on the size of the set you are forming. In addition to the numbered cards, there are some special cards that can turn the game around, lowering scores or even altering the auction rules. Get ready to bluff, calculate risks, and show who's the smartest shark in the pond!
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
OK
4
OK
5
OK
6
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Ave. Knots
Designer
Matt Ward (I)
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the ideal number of players for Chummy?
Chummy is designed for 3 to 6 players, but the experience becomes more intense and strategic with 4 or 5, as the competition for cards and tokens significantly increases!
Is Chummy a complex game? How long does it take to learn?
Not at all! It has very simple 'chum it' or 'bite it' rules, so you'll get the hang of it in about 5 minutes. The complexity comes more from player interaction and tactical decisions.
What is the average duration of a Chummy game?
Games are super quick, perfect for filling a short slot or playing several in a row! Expect something between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the number of players and decision speed.
What are the main components of the game?
Chummy is a card game, so expect a robust deck with numbered and special cards, plus tokens that are added to cards during auctions. It's very portable!
Who is Chummy recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy auction and 'push your luck' games with lots of interaction, bluffing, and a touch of cunning. If you like fast-paced, competitive games with a different objective (scoring less!), you'll love it.
Are there any planned expansions for Chummy?
As the game is still set to be released in 2026, there is no information about expansions at the moment. But with the special card mechanic, the potential for future additions is great!
Is the shark theme purely aesthetic or does it influence gameplay?
The shark theme is super integrated into the gameplay! The idea of 'chum it' (baiting) and 'bite it' (biting the bait) perfectly reflects the predatory nature and competition for resources in the game. It's more than just a visual!
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