Mantis

Flip a card and gamble on whether it steals from a rival or scores for you.

See how it plays

Designers: Jeremy Posner, Ken Gruhl
Published by: Exploding Kittens
Editions by: Rebel Sp. z o.o., ADC Blackfire Entertainment, Geekach LLC

A fast, bright little card game with two moves: steal a matching set from an opponent, or score cards face down into your own pile. Each card has one color on its back and two possible colors on its front, so you are always gambling on which way it flips. First to ten scored cards wins.

Only two possible actions per turnColorful steal-or-score gamblingKids genuinely beat adults

Who it's for

Families and mixed-age tables wanting a quick, colorful filler with a mischievous take-that streak. Plays well right up to six.

Not for you if…

You dislike luck swings or being targeted. A well-timed steal can wipe out a promising tank, and there is little you can do to prevent it.

Vibe's take

Light, mean, and constantly swingy, with loud table moments when a big steal lands. Reading probabilities matters more than it first looks.