Cinegeek.com
Stephen Lackey
July 2006
USA

Sometimes what you need is a compact quick playing game that takes just a few minutes to teach. Of course we all love the big RPG board games with a thousand parts and a novel for a guide, but sometimes you just want to hang out and play a quick and easy game. Pepper may just be that game.

The Pepper cards each feature a number and a color and a ball in the center. each player is dealt five cards. The object of the game is to empty your hand first. The dealer plays first. He can play any card on the table in front of any player. If he plays a red 4 the player he plays that card in front of must play a card of the same color or a higher number. So, he must play a 5 or six, or a green card. If he can't play he must pick the card(s) on the table in front of himself up. As the game progresses you may build up a pile of cards in front of you, so if you get down to your last card and you're forced to pick up the cards in front of you. This can take you from first place to last in one turn. That's basically it.

The trick is to watch what other people play, especially when 6's are involved. If someone plays a 6 on you all you can play is another card the same color. So a 6 can easily force you into picking up cards in front of you. A 6 is a great closer card as well because to be able to completely win you must drop your card and leave the person you played on unable to play themselves forcing them to pick up cards in front of them. If they can play they can drop a card in front of the player who just played their last card. So because they are empty handed they can't play and they have to pick up. Playing the 6 limits that players opportunity to play back.

That's really all their is to the game. So if you're hanging out with friends you can teach them this game quick and play while you're having drinks and conversation. It's a great party game. Now the only issue with this game is the limited number of players. You can only have a max of 5 players, which is stronger than many card games that are usually limited to four but six would still be cooler. That's really the only complaint I have. Here we have another simple and addictive game from OTB.

8/10

The Presentation
Cards are simply designed, reminiscent of Uno cards presented in a slim metal case. It's simple and small and easy to carry with you.

8/10

There's not much else to say, if you're a fan of card games then Pepper should be added to your collection.

Overall 8/10

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