Last Updated on January 5, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

boop. is a cute yet strategic two-player game where players take turns placing kittens on a quilted bed. Each new kitten “boops” adjacent kittens one space away. The goal is to line up three kittens to upgrade them into cats, then line up three cats to win! Simple to learn but tricky to master, boop. is a fun mix of strategy and charm. Here’s how to play:

Number of Players: 2 | Ages: 10+ | Play Time: 20min

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How to Play boop.

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Game Contents & Setup

To play Boop, you’ll need the components included in the box:

• Quilted game board (the “bed”)
• 8 Kittens of each player’s color
• 8 Cats of each player’s color (reserve pool)
• Box bottom (used as the bed frame)

Setup Instructions:

1. Place the box bottom upside down in the center of the table.
2. Lay the quilted game board over it.
3. Each player starts with 8 Kittens of their color. The 8 Cats remain in reserve.
4. Determine the first player either by the most recent person to pet a cat or by random selection.

The bed is divided into stitched squares where pieces can be placed. Players keep their Cats in reserve until they graduate Kittens or decide to play a Cat.

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Object of the Game

The goal is simple: line up three of your Cats in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—to win. Before you can do that, you must:

1. Place your Kittens strategically on the bed.
2. Boop other pieces to your advantage while avoiding getting booped yourself.
3. Graduate three kittens into Cats to build your pool of stronger pieces.

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boop. Gameplay

1. Placing Kittens

On your turn, place a kitten in any open space on the bed. Each time a kitten is placed, it “boops” all adjacent pieces (including diagonally) one space away. Pieces can be pushed off the bed and returned to their owner’s pool.

Important Rules About Booping:

• Booped pieces do not cause a chain reaction; only the original move affects surrounding pieces.
• If two pieces are already in a line, they cannot be booped along that line, but other directions remain active.
• Booping strategically can help disrupt your opponent’s line of kittens or push your own kittens closer to graduation.

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2. Graduating Kittens into Cats

When you line up three Kittens in a row:

1. Remove the three kittens from the bed and place them in the box lid.
2. Add three Cats from your reserve to your pool.

Tip: If all your 8 pieces are on the bed, you may graduate a single kitten to a Cat. Always maintain 8 active pieces in your pool.

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3. Playing Cats

Once Cats are in your pool:

• You may play either a Cat or a Kitten on your turn.
• Cats cannot be booped by Kittens, giving you more control over your strategy.
• Cats can still boop other Cats and Kittens.
• Lines of three can include both Kittens and Cats; the Kittens graduate into Cats, while the Cats go back to your pool.

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4. Winning the Game

You win by either:

• Lining up three Cats in a row, or
• Having all 8 of your Cats on the bed at the end of your turn.

Check for a win only after all booped pieces finish moving.

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Notes for Clever Cats

The center four squares of the board can be more powerful, as they are furthest from the edge making it harder to push your pieces off the board. However, don’t be afraid of pushing your own Kittens / Cats off the bed. It might be strategic to put them back into your pool for subsequent plays.

Two pieces in a row is one way to set up a line of three. But you can also try a sneakier way by setting up an L shaped pattern – and booping your piece into the center!

When you have Cats, be mindful of placing them ALL on the bed, especially if your opponent has none. Since Kittens can’t push them, they will be stuck in place.

Strategy Tips for Boop

• Use the center wisely: Pieces in the middle of the bed are less likely to be booped off.
• Plan for multiples: Setting up two pieces in a row can prepare for a line of three, but be careful of your opponent’s boops.
• Boop smart: Sometimes pushing a kitten or Cat back into your pool is strategically advantageous.
• Defensive play: Block your opponent from lining up two pieces, and look for diagonal opportunities.
• Mix Kittens and Cats: Using Cats alongside Kittens in your lines makes it harder for opponents to disrupt your strategy.

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Adjustments for Younger Players

For a simpler, quicker game:

• Skip the graduation mechanic.
• Play with only Kittens.
• First player to line up three Kittens wins.

This version is ideal for introducing new players or keeping game nights fast-paced.

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FAQ – boop.

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Conclusion

Boop is a blend of strategy, puzzle-solving, and playful chaos. Whether you’re lining up kittens to graduate them into Cats or trying to block your opponent’s moves, every turn is full of fun decisions. Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or casual play with friends, Boop rewards clever planning and timing. Grab a board, herding instincts, and get ready to “boop” your way to victory!