Shortstack

Roly Poly Games · Board game · 2026
3–4 30–45 min
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Our Verdict

A fast and strategic pancake feast for card game lovers!

Highlights
  • Dynamic and super fun
  • Agile card mechanics
  • Light and thematic theme
  • Perfect for quick sessions
Keep in mind
  • Watch out for the trick count
  • Can be tricky for beginners
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About the game
Get your appetite ready, because breakfast is served! In Shortstack, you're not just eating; you're competing to see who can build the most incredible stack of pancakes at the buffet! If you're the type who loves fast-paced card games that mess with your head, get ready for a delicious showdown. The real challenge here is that winning a trick isn't always the best move. The game unfolds in two very strategic trick-taking phases: first, you need to try and set the suit for the round, and then you must focus on hitting the exact rank to maximize your points. It's a constant and quite devious balancing act: you want to win tricks, but you have to be extremely careful not to win too many! If you win more than four tricks, you might end up overdoing it and losing precious points. It's the kind of game where you need to be clever enough to win exactly what you need, without letting your pancake stack collapse or your score get too heavy. With a light pancake buffet theme and card mechanics that flow very quickly, Shortstack is perfect for a quick game between coffee breaks. It's a game of rapid decisions, where every card played can be the difference between a perfect feast or a kitchen disaster!
BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 OK
4 OK
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Mechanics

Categories

Families

Admin: Upcoming Releases Theme: Food / Cooking
Publisher Roly Poly Games
Designer Marceline Leiman
Artist Ami Cai
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game last?
It's quite quick, between 30 to 45 minutes!
How many players is it for?
It's best played with 3 or 4 players for full fun.
What is the difficulty level?
It's a light game, but requires strategy to avoid winning too many tricks by mistake.
Is the game complex?
Not at all; the trick-taking mechanic is easy to learn but hard to master.
What is the theme of the game?
You're at a pancake buffet trying to build the best stack!