Pataquada

Pataquada is a fast‑paced, tongue‑in‑cheek card game designed by Airton Braga, in which each player commands a flock of migrating ducks. Every player starts with a set of nine duck cards numbered 1 through 9, each bearing a unique special action. The match unfolds over three flights, and at the start of each flight a Migration Leader card is revealed, granting a power that tweaks a core rule – for example, changing placement order or altering scoring. In the first three turns, players simultaneously select three of their ducks and place them in the flight formation according to numerical order, with lower numbers leading the line. On the fourth turn each player plays another duck solely for its special ability; if two or more players pick the same card, none of them get to use it. Once the formation is set, ducks occupying unique positions earn points, while those sharing a spot are discarded. Cards farthest from the formation are removed from the game, reducing the hand size for the remaining flights. After three flights, the player with the most points wins. The game blends hand management (choosing which ducks to play and when) with simultaneous action selection, producing quick decisions and plenty of interaction. With a 30‑40 minute playtime, simple rules, and only cards as components, Pataquada suits groups of 3‑5 players who enjoy light, social games that still offer a strategic edge. Its low complexity rating (1.5/5) makes it accessible to beginners, while the ever‑changing Migration Leader powers keep each session fresh.