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Official Nuts About Mutts Rules
Here's how to play Grandpa Beck's Nuts About Mutts, a fast-paced and exciting card game where you race to be the first dog walker to drop off all your canine companions!
Objective
Be the first player to get rid of all your dog cards by matching them with other players' cards based on color, number, or breed.
Setup
1. Shuffle the Deck: Mix the deck of dog cards thoroughly and place it face down within reach of all players.
2. Deal Starting Hands: Deal a set number of dog cards (usually 5-7) to each player, depending on the desired game length. Keep your dog cards face down in your hand.
3. Bone Tokens (Optional): If your version includes bone tokens, place them in a central pile within reach of all players.
4. Die (Optional): If your version uses a die, have it readily available.
Gameplay
1. Round Start:
The youngest player starts the game and is the first "Dog Walker." In subsequent rounds, the Dog Walker role passes to the next player in turn order.
2. Play a Dog Card:
On your turn, you must try to play one of your dog cards face up in front of you. You can play a card if it matches at least one of the following criteria:
Color Match: The dog on your card matches the color of the dog card previously played (e.g., if the last played card was a brown Labrador, you can play a brown Dachshund).
Number Match: The dog on your card has the same number as the dog card previously played (e.g., if the last played card was a Beagle with the number "3", you can play a different breed with the number "3").
Breed Match: The dog on your card is the same breed as the dog card previously played (e.g., if the last played card was a Poodle, you can play any other Poodle card regardless of color or number).
3. Unable to Play:
If you cannot play any card from your hand according to the above rules, you have two options:
Draw a Card: You can draw one card from the top of the deck.
Pass (Optional): In some variations, you might be able to simply choose to "pass" your turn and hope for a better card on the next draw.
4. Special Actions (Optional):
Some variations might include special actions using bone tokens or the die. These could involve:
Bone Tokens: Spending a bone token to swap a card from your hand with another player's card.
Die: Rolling the die for a chance to force another player to draw cards or swap hands.
5. Ending Your Turn:
After successfully playing a card or choosing to draw/pass, your turn ends, and the turn moves to the next player.
Winning the Game
The first player to get rid of all their dog cards wins the game and is crowned the "Top Dog Walker"!
Notes/Variations
Variations:
Play to a Set Score: Instead of playing until someone gets rid of all their cards, you can set a target score (e.g., first player to reach 15 points by discarding cards wins). Each discarded card is worth 1 point.
Advanced Rules: Some versions might have additional rules like "Run" cards that allow you to play multiple cards in a row if they meet the matching criteria.
Tips and Strategies:
Pay Attention: Observe the cards being played and remember what breeds, colors, and numbers have been discarded. This can help you plan your discards and matches.
Think Ahead: Don't just discard any card. Try to strategize and play cards that might set you up for future matches based on what cards you still hold in your hand.
Use Special Actions Wisely (Optional): If your version includes bone tokens or a die, use them strategically to gain an edge or disrupt your opponents' plans.
With a dash of strategy, a sprinkle of luck, and a whole lot of adorable dog cards, Nuts About Mutts from Grandpa Beck's Games is a fun and exciting game for the whole family!
