—
rating
Ludopedia
6.3
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy a quick, direct duel with a touch of real-time tension, "Heave Ho!" is the right choice! It's pure fun for two.
Highlights
- Intense tug-of-war
- Real-time deck building
- Quick and easy to learn
- Great for 2 players
Keep in mind
- Two-player only
- Low language dependency
- Theme might not appeal
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a Scottish showdown in "Heave Ho!", a game that pits you in a fierce tug-of-war! The stakes are high: the first player to pull three barrels of whisky to their side wins. But before the main battle begins, there's a twist: you'll both build your decks in real-time. It's a race against the clock to grab the best cards and set up your strategy before your opponent does. The adrenaline kicks in right from the start!
Once the decks are built, the real fight commences. Each card played moves the barrel, and choosing which card to play is crucial. You need to have more strength than your opponent to advance the barrel towards their side. It's a game of pure hand management and bluffing, where every move counts. The simplicity of the rules makes "Heave Ho!" super accessible, perfect for those who want something quick and straightforward but with that satisfying tension of a one-on-one confrontation. Ideal for couples or friends who enjoy a challenge without much fuss. Kosmos did a great job with this edition of their famous two-player series, bringing a fun theme and mechanics that work very well together. If you enjoy card games with a touch of real-time action and a dash of direct competition, "Heave Ho!" will win you over.
Once the decks are built, the real fight commences. Each card played moves the barrel, and choosing which card to play is crucial. You need to have more strength than your opponent to advance the barrel towards their side. It's a game of pure hand management and bluffing, where every move counts. The simplicity of the rules makes "Heave Ho!" super accessible, perfect for those who want something quick and straightforward but with that satisfying tension of a one-on-one confrontation. Ideal for couples or friends who enjoy a challenge without much fuss. Kosmos did a great job with this edition of their famous two-player series, bringing a fun theme and mechanics that work very well together. If you enjoy card games with a touch of real-time action and a dash of direct competition, "Heave Ho!" will win you over.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
KOSMOS, Rio Grande Games, Tilsit
Designer
Richard Borg
Artist
Franz Vohwinkel
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play Heave Ho!?
Heave Ho! is exclusively a two-player game, perfect for a one-on-one duel.
How long does a game take?
A game of Heave Ho! is quite fast, typically lasting around 45 minutes.
What is the game's complexity?
The complexity is quite low. The rules are easy to grasp, making it accessible for most players.
Is there a lot of language dependency?
Language dependency is minimal. The text on the cards is sparse and easy to memorize or translate.
Who is "Heave Ho!" recommended for?
It's recommended for couples, friends, or any pair who enjoys fast-paced card games with a real-time element and direct competition.
What is the main objective of the game?
The objective is to be the first player to win three rounds by pulling the whisky barrel to your side of the board in each round.
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