Sushi Go is a family-friendly card drafting game with a unique Japanese food theme. With the goal of collecting the most delicious sushi combinations, this game offers a blend of strategy and luck. Each turn, players take turns selecting cards from a central pool, and the type of cards they choose determines their scoring opportunities.
The gameplay is accessible to players of all ages, making it an excellent choice for family game nights. However, beneath its seemingly simple mechanics lies a surprising depth of strategic decision-making. Players must carefully consider their card choices, balancing short-term gains with long-term objectives.
Sushi Go also includes several different scoring mechanisms, which adds to the game’s replay value. From collecting sets of nigiri to acquiring the most wasabi, each player has the opportunity to develop their own unique sushi-gathering strategy. The game ends after three rounds, and the player with the most points wins. With its charming theme and engaging gameplay, Sushi Go is sure to become a family favorite.
Preparing for a Game of Sushi Go
To begin a thrilling game of Sushi Go, meticulous preparation is essential. Gather your fellow sushi enthusiasts, preferably between 2 and 5 players, and ensure each player has a copy of the Sushi Go deck with all its succulent cards. Each player will also need a scoring pad to keep track of their delectable creations.
Before the game commences, designate a lucky player to be the first Sushi Chef. This honorable role will rotate clockwise throughout the game, granting each player an opportunity to guide the culinary experience. Once the Sushi Chef is determined, everyone sits in a cozy circle, ready to embark on their sushi-making adventure.
Table Setup
To ensure a smooth and organized game, prepare the table with a few key elements:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sushi Go Deck | Source of all the tasty card ingredients |
| Scoring Pads | Records each player’s sushi-making prowess |
| Chopsticks (Optional) | Adds a touch of authenticity and precision to card handling |
Card Distribution
In Sushi Go, each player receives 10 cards at the start of the game. The cards are dealt from a deck of 108 cards, which contains 36 different types of sushi. Each type of sushi has a different point value, ranging from 1 to 5 points.
Scoring
The goal of Sushi Go is to collect the most points by the end of the game. Points are scored by collecting sets of sushi, such as a set of three sashimi or a set of two tempura. The point values for each sushi type are listed in the table below.
| Sushi Type | Points |
|---|---|
| Sashimi | 3 |
| Tempura | 5 |
| Maki Roll | 2 |
| Edamame | 1 |
| Pudding | 6 |
| Wasabi | 10 |
In addition to the points scored for sets, players can also score bonus points for collecting certain combinations of cards. For example, a player who collects a set of three nigiri sushi scores an additional 10 points.
Choosing the Right Cards
In Sushi Go, the cards you choose play a vital role in determining your success. Each card has different scoring opportunities, so it’s crucial to strategize and select the cards that align best with your scoring goals.
There are a few key elements to consider when choosing cards:
- Matching sets: Some cards, such as Sashimi and Nigiri, offer bonus points when you collect a complete set. Focus on gathering all cards within a set to maximize your score.
- Variety: Aim to have a diverse collection of card types. This ensures you’ll have a balanced score and won’t rely solely on one type of card.
- Scoring potential: Carefully examine the scoring mechanisms for each card. Some cards, like Wasabi, multiply the value of other cards, while others, like Miso Soup, provide a flat score. Consider the potential scoring combinations and choose cards that complement each other.
| Card Type | Scoring Potential |
|---|---|
| Nigiri | 2 or 3 points per set. |
| Sashimi | 10 points for a set of 3. |
| Wasabi | Triples the value of the next card played. |
| Gyoza | 2 points each. |
| Tempura | 5 points for a set of 2. |
Maximizing Your Score
Choosing the Right Cards
Each card in Sushi Go has a unique value. When scoring, compare the number of cards you have of each type to the other players. Every odd-numbered card is worth its face value, while every even-numbered card is worth negative points.
Collecting Sets
Collecting sets of three or more Sashimi or Nigiri cards earns you bonus points. Three cards are worth 6 points, four cards are worth 10 points, and so on. Tempura cards also contribute to sets, but only if they’re combined with other Tempura cards.
Avoiding Wasabi and Puddings
Wasabi cards are worth negative points (-3). Puddings are worth positive points (3), but they also cancel out any other Dessert cards you collect during that round. Therefore, it’s usually best to avoid both Wasabi and Puddings unless you have a specific strategy in mind.
Planning for the Chopsticks Card
The Chopsticks card allows you to take an extra card during the draft. This is a powerful card, but it can also be a double-edged sword. If you take an extra card that’s not particularly valuable, it could hurt your overall score.
Understanding the Tea Cards
Tea cards provide a variety of bonuses. For example, they can increase your score for having a lot of different types of cards, or they can give you extra points for collecting chopsticks. Read the Tea cards carefully to understand how they can help you maximize your score.
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| Sashimi | 1 (odd), -1 (even) |
| Nigiri | 2 (odd), -2 (even) |
| Tempura | 5 (odd), -5 (even) |
| Wasabi | -3 |
| Pudding | 3 |
| Chopsticks | Take an extra card during the draft |
| Tea | Various bonuses |
Advanced Strategies
6. Combo Strategies
Introduction
Sushi Go offers numerous opportunities to score combo points, and mastering these strategies can significantly boost your gameplay. Combo strategies involve combining specific cards to maximize your score based on their unique abilities.
Sashimi + Chopsticks
Combining Sashimi cards with Chopsticks grants you bonus points for each unique type of Sashimi you collect. For example, if you have three different types of Sashimi and a Chopsticks card, you score 15 points.
Nigiri + Wasabi
Using Wasabi with Nigiri cards multiplies the value of each Nigiri card by two. This allows you to accumulate impressive points quickly, especially if you have multiple Nigiri cards of higher denominations.
Tempura Strategy
| Number of Tempura Cards | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5 |
| 2 | 10 |
| 3 | 15 |
| 4+ | 20 |
Collecting Tempura cards provides a significant bonus based on the number of cards you accumulate. Aiming for two or more Tempura cards is a viable strategy, as it can significantly boost your score.
Playing with Different Players
The number of players in a game of Sushi Go! affects the difficulty and strategy of the game. Here’s a breakdown of how the game plays differently with different numbers of players:
2 Players
With two players, the game is a direct head-to-head battle. You have more control over what cards you can get, but you also need to be wary of your opponent’s strategy.
3 Players
With three players, the game becomes more tactical. You need to keep an eye on both your opponents to make sure you don’t get too far behind. However, you also have more opportunities to take advantage of your opponents’ mistakes.
4 Players
With four players, the game starts to get more chaotic. You have less control over what cards you can get, and you need to be more flexible in your strategy. However, there is also more opportunity for alliances and backstabbing.
5 Players
With five players, the game reaches its peak of chaos. You have very little control over what cards you can get, and you need to be prepared for anything. However, this can also lead to some of the most exciting and memorable games of Sushi Go!
6 Players
With six players, the game becomes even more chaotic. You will need to be even more flexible in your strategy and prepared for anything. This can be a lot of fun, but it can also be frustrating if you don’t get the cards you need.
7 Players
With seven players, the game reaches its maximum number of players. The chaos is at its peak, and you will need to be a master strategist to win. However, this can also be the most rewarding way to play Sushi Go!
Variations of the Game
Variations With Different Cards
Sushi Go Party! introduces new cards like edamame, dumpling, maki rolls, and tempura, altering the gameplay dynamics.
Sushi Go! Remix includes 117 new and revised cards that can be mixed and matched with the original deck for endless variations.
Variations With Scoring Changes
Sushi Go! Roll focuses on collecting sets, introducing a roll mechanic that awards bonuses for completing certain combinations.
Sushi Go! The Card Game introduces new ways to score points, such as collecting a variety of dishes or having the most nigiri at the end of the game.
Variations With Gameplay Changes
Sushi Go! Shuffle adds a twist where players physically pass their hands to the left or right, changing the cards available each round.
Sushi Go! Spoons requires players to race to grab a spoon from the center of the table when a certain card is revealed, adding a competitive element.
Challenging Variations
Sushi Go! Two Player streamlines the gameplay for two players, introducing unique scoring conditions.
Sushi Go! The Pick & Pass Game challenges players to pass selected cards to their opponents, leading to strategic decision-making.
Additional Information
The following table compares some key differences between the different variations of Sushi Go:
| Feature | Sushi Go | Sushi Go Party! | Sushi Go! Remix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of cards | 108 | 158 | 117 |
| New card types | None | Edamame, dumpling, maki roll, tempura | Varies depending on selected cards |
| Scoring changes | None | Yes | Yes |
Sushi Go! Party!
Sushi Go! Party! is a card drafting game for 2-5 players aged 8 and up. The game takes about 30 minutes to play.
The goal of the game is to collect the best combination of sushi dishes. Each player starts with a hand of cards, and on their turn, they choose one card from their hand to play. The remaining cards are passed to the next player.
There are different types of sushi dishes in the game, each with its own scoring rules. Some dishes are worth points for each card you collect, while others are worth points for sets of cards.
The game ends after three rounds. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Card Types
There are 10 different types of cards in Sushi Go! Party!:
| Card Type | Scoring Rule |
|---|---|
| Nigiri | 1 point per card |
| Sashimi | 2 points per card |
| Tempura | 3 points per card |
| Roll | 5 points per card |
| Dumpling | 1 point per card, plus 2 points for each set of three |
| Edamame | 2 points per card, plus 4 points for each set of three |
| Maki | 3 points per card, plus 6 points for each set of three |
| Wasabi | 3 points per card, but cancels out the points from any nigiri cards |
| Ginger | 1 point per card, plus 1 point for each set of three |
| Chopsticks | Allows you to take an extra card on your turn |
Strategy Tips for Sushi Go!
1. Prioritize High-Scoring Cards:
Aim for cards like Sashimi (10 points) and Tempura (5 points); they offer substantial points.
2. Consider Combo Cards:
Cards like Maki (three of a kind) and California Roll (made with avocado and cucumber) can yield bonus points.
3. Block Opponents’ Strategies:
If you notice a player collecting a specific card type, try to take those cards yourself or pass them on.
4. Manage Your Hand:
Balance your hand size to avoid holding too many high-point cards, which can be penalized.
5. Watch the Board:
Pay attention to what cards other players are taking to anticipate their strategies.
6. Adapt to the Round:
Different rounds have different scoring cards; adjust your strategy accordingly.
7. Don’t Overpursue Puddings:
While Puddings provide points, they can also block your other combos.
8. Don’t Neglect Wasabi:
Wasabi can double the value of another card, making it a potentially powerful tool.
9. Use Chopsticks Wisely:
Chopsticks allow you to take two cards instead of one; use them strategically to obtain valuable cards.
10. Master the Art of Bluff and Deception:
Pass on cards that appear valuable to your opponents to create an illusion of their availability. Additionally, try to take cards that seem undesirable to lead your opponents astray. Remember that observation, adaptability, and a bit of trickery can greatly enhance your chances of claiming the sushi crown in Sushi Go!.
