The Overtime

Caramel Column Inc. · Board game · 2018
3–5 15–30 min
7.4 rating Ludopedia
5.8 rating BGG
Buy
7.4 rating Ludopedia
5.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Fans of office tension and trick-taking cards will love this quick hit!

Highlights
  • Fast and strategic
  • Engaging trick play
  • Intense office vibe
Keep in mind
  • Requires focus
  • Not for chillers
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Picture yourself as an employee of a never‑ending company where Friday is the ultimate test: staying until the end of the day risks being called in for weekend work. In *The Overtime*, you’re dealt five cards at a time and must manage them to avoid accumulating stress tokens. If you play the last leave card, you get a stress token and become the next starting player. The game’s simple flow escalates tension fast: Monday through Thursday are relatively calm, but Friday’s pressure spikes. Staying past Friday’s end means the company summons you for Saturday and Sunday, costing you a life token. When life tokens hit zero, the game ends—no more play. Conversely, if you start Friday with three or more stress tokens, you trigger a stress check that can let you rest and recover a life. An extra twist: you can only leave work after the last train of the week, if someone has missed the final train. This rule adds a layer of strategy about when to play your cards and when to hold back. In short, *The Overtime* is a trick‑taking card game that blends corporate anxiety with quick decision‑making. Use your cards wisely, keep your stress in check, and if you’re lucky, avoid the dreaded weekend shift. It’s a fast 15‑30 minute game for 3‑5 players who enjoy card games that demand focus and a touch of luck.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
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Game details

Mechanics

Categories

Publisher Caramel Column Inc.
Designer 大野真樹 (Maki Ono)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game last?
Between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of players.
Who is the game aimed at?
Perfect for 3 to 5 players who enjoy fast card games with a hint of tension.
What is the game’s complexity?
Medium; you manage stress and life tokens, but the rules are straightforward.
What components are included?
A deck of cards, stress tokens, and life tokens.
Can it be played with more than 5 players?
No, the game is designed for 3 to 5 players.
Are there any rule variants?
No official variants, but players can create casual house rules for added challenge.
How does the last train rule work?
You can only leave work after the last train of the week if someone missed it, adding a strategic timing element to your play.