# Roach

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2025
- **BGG Rating**: 10.0
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-6
- **Duration**: 10-20 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Publishers**: (Self-Published)
- **Categories**: Card Game, Party Game, Real-time
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Real-Time, Simultaneous Action Selection, Speed Matching, Take That

## Verdict
If you enjoy fast-paced games, full of laughs, and with a good dose of controlled chaos, Roach is a sure bet! It's the kind of game you pull out of the box, explain in two minutes, and everyone is already shouting and slapping the table. The experience is super dynamic, with the excitement of trying to be the fastest and the unpredictability of the special cards. Ideal for warming up the night or ending it with a bang!Fast and addictive gameplayDirect and fun interactionSimple rules, easy to learnGreat for varied groupsSurprising special cardsRequires quick reflexesMay not appeal to everyoneElement of luck presentHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Roach is a light, real-time card game that promises to liven up your game nights with 2 to 6 friends. The premise is simple, but the execution is pure adrenaline: all cards are shuffled and dealt evenly, with players keeping their hands hidden. The round begins with the first player calling out numbers from 1 to 10 in a continuous sequence. After each announcement, everyone flips the top card from their hand face-up. Tension builds when two situations can trigger a true 'slapping war': either a revealed non-Roach card matches the spoken number, or any Roach-themed card appears on the table. The fastest player to slap the card avoids penalty, while latecomers or non-slappers gain Roach tokens. The last to slap also gets extra tokens and is forced to take all bid cards back into their hand. The game can end suddenly when someone empties their hand and wins a subsequent bid. In the end, victory goes to the player with the fewest Roach tokens. But don't think that's all there is! A variety of special Roach cards can turn the game upside down with wild effects: doubling tokens, instant game-ending conditions, token redistribution, and ongoing penalties. Tool cards allow players to remove, clear, or pass Roach tokens to opponents. And global rule cards? Oh, these can reverse the counting order, change the turn sequence, or force open-hand play, keeping these effects active until the same card is drawn again. Roach is the perfect mix of luck, quick reflexes, and a dash of mischief to ensure plenty of laughs and unforgettable moments!

## FAQ
### How many players can participate in Roach?
Roach is super flexible and can be played by 2 to 6 players, which makes it perfect for different group sizes, from a duo to a larger crowd.

### What is the average duration of a Roach game?
Roach games are quite fast! They usually take 10 to 20 minutes, so you can play several rounds in one session or fit it quickly between other games.

### Is Roach a complex game to learn?
Not at all! The beauty of Roach lies in its simplicity. The rules are very easy to pick up, and you'll be playing and slapping in a matter of minutes. It's ideal for beginners and veterans alike.

### What are the main components of the game?
Roach is essentially a card game, so you'll have a deck full of numbered cards, special Roach cards, and global rule cards. Additionally, there are Roach tokens to track penalties.

### Who is Roach best suited for?
Roach is perfect for anyone looking for a fun party game with lots of interaction and laughter. If you enjoy real-time games that require quick reflexes and a bit of bluffing, you'll love it!

### What are 'Roach tokens' and how do they affect the game?
Roach tokens are negative points. The player who accumulates the most tokens throughout the game ends up losing. They are the way to penalize players who fail to slap in time or who are forced to take cards.