# Shallow Regrets

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2025
- **BGG Rating**: 7.0
- **BGG Rank**: #6173
- **Players**: 2-3 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 15 min
- **Weight**: 1.67 / 5
- **Designers**: Judson Cowan
- **Artists**: Judson Cowan
- **Publishers**: Button Shy
- **Categories**: Card Game, Horror, Nautical, Print & Play
- **Mechanics**: Once-Per-Game Abilities, Open Drafting, Push Your Luck, Set Collection, Take That

## Verdict
A quick horror fishing card game that will keep you on the edge of your seat.Fast and thrillingOpen drafting funUnique abilitiesFish penalty twistMedium complexitySmall card poolFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Shallow Regrets is a nautical horror card game that fits into 15 minutes and brings together 2 to 3 players. The goal is to capture strange and valuable fish, but each fish has a strength value that requires you to have enough hooks in your boat. You start with an open pool of fishing cards and, on each turn, reel in two cards from one of the available shoals. After choosing one to keep, the other returns to the shoal, creating an open draft cycle that keeps tension high. Each fish has unique abilities that can be used only once per game; turning the fish to the side indicates that the ability has been consumed. When the round ends, players sum the total value of their fish. However, some fish are considered “bad” and whoever captures more of them receives a scoring penalty. This “take that” mechanic forces players to balance risk and reward, as capturing a powerful fish can cost dearly if the fish is bad. The combination of open drafting, set collection, and push your luck creates a fast yet strategic experience that reminds one of classic card games like 7 Wonders or Fluxx, but with a horror-at-the-ocean edge atmosphere. As a print & play, the game can be printed at home, making it accessible for those who like to experiment with new ideas without buying expensive components. In short, Shallow Regrets offers a mix of tension, strategy, and dark humor in a compact, portable format.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
Shallow Regrets accommodates 2 to 3 players, and there is an expansion that adds a solo mode.

### How long does a game last?
Each session takes about 15 minutes, making it great for quick play or a pre-sleep game.

### What is the game’s complexity?
The game blends open drafting, set collection, and unique abilities, yielding medium complexity—easy to learn but with interesting strategic choices.

### What components are included?
Fishing cards, fish with strength values, hook rings, penalty tokens, and a rulebook. Everything can be printed at home if you prefer.

### How does the fishing system work?
On each turn, the active player reels in two cards from a chosen shoal, selects one to keep, and discards the other. The kept fish accumulate points and one‑time abilities.

### Who is this game recommended for?
It’s perfect for horror fans, quick card game lovers, and anyone who enjoys open drafting and calculated risk.