Tacocat Spelled Backwards

Exploding Kittens · Board game · 2021
— Ludopedia 6.3 BGG 2 · best 2 15–20 min Weight 1.2/5
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— rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Tacocat Spelled Backwards is the perfect 'open and play' game for pairs looking for fun without the fuss. The tug-of-war mechanic with the final-card twist adds a welcome strategic spice to quick sessions. It is visually charming and extremely portable, taking up almost no space on the table or in your bag. If you are looking for something light and funny to settle a quick score, you have found your game.

Highlights
  • Incredible portability and instant setup
  • Fun and charismatic illustrations
  • Clever final-card twist mechanic
  • Fast-paced and highly competitive
Keep in mind
  • Low strategic depth for veterans
  • Relies on a good opponent
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you are a fan of Exploding Kittens or just looking for a quick game to toss in your bag, Tacocat Spelled Backwards is a delightful surprise. The game is a classic tug-of-war duel where the goal is to push the iconic Tacocat token to your side of the board. The mechanics are straightforward but hide an interesting strategic layer: you must manage your hand to win duels by playing cards of equal or higher value than your opponent. The real twist happens at the end: once you reach your final card, the rules flip, and the lowest card wins the round. It is the type of game you open, play in 15 minutes, and immediately want a rematch. The box itself acts as the board, making setup practically instantaneous. The illustrations are a highlight, maintaining the characteristic humor of the Exploding Kittens universe with palindromes and art that will make you smile. It is a game of instinct, a bit of luck, and constant reading of what your opponent might still have in their hand. Perfect for a quick coffee break, waiting at the airport, or a casual moment between friends. Don't expect astronomical complexity; the game is light, focusing on pure fun and the tactical challenge of knowing when to sacrifice a card or deliver the final blow. If you enjoy games that don't take up much table space and solve boredom in seconds, this is a strong candidate for your collection. With 38 illustrated cards and colorful tiles, it has a visual appeal that satisfies everyone from casual players to collectors who don't miss anything from the brand. Get ready to duel, laugh at the unusual situations, and try to grasp the logic behind every palindrome appearing on the table. Tacocat is not just a game; it is a compact, pocket-sized strategy experience that guarantees laughs and fierce competition between you and your favorite opponent.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Misc: LongPack Games Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher Exploding Kittens
Designer Elan Lee
Artist Matthew Inman

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,798owners
73wishlist

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game last?
It's quite fast! Matches usually take between 15 and 20 minutes.
How many people can play?
The game is exclusively for 2 players, a direct duel.
Is it hard to learn the rules?
Not at all. It's a light game with a weight of 1.21, perfect for any experience level.
What's in the box?
You get 7 palindrome tiles, 38 illustrated cards, and an adorable Tacocat token.
Do I need a lot of space to play?
No! The box itself acts as the board, so you can play anywhere.

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