By: Gamewright Players: 2-5 Ages: 8+ Time: 15 minutes
Grab the best combination of Sushi dishes as they whiz by in this sushi-themed card game. The game is immediately approachable, making it easy to learn, quick to play, and engaging for all ages.
Score points for making the most Maki Rolls of a full set of Sashimi.
Whoever amasses the most points by the end of the game will be declared a true Sushi Master!
About Sushi Go Game? A Sushi-Themed Card Game
Sushi Go is a fast-paced card game designed by Phil Walker-Harding and published by Gamewright Games in 2013. The game revolves around players collecting various kinds of Sushi and trying to score as many points as possible at the end of each round. Players aim to make the best overall sushi dishes to serve their patrons and become the best sushi restaurant in town.
The game relies on a “draft and pass” mechanic, where players choose cards from hands that are rotated amongst everyone each turn. This card drafting process requires players to make snap decisions and carefully decide what they believe are the right cards to choose in order to maximize their scores. This becomes much tougher as hand sizes shrink each turn. Each game is only three rounds so planning ahead and predicting what other players will do is what will lead to becoming the Sushi Master.
How to Play Sushi Go and Score Points
The game starts with all the cards being shuffled and each player being dealt a set number. How many cards each player gets is based on the number of people taking part, the more players the more cards. Once everyone has a hand, the remaining cards are placed face-down in the center of the playing area.
Sushi Go game takes place over three rounds with the player that accumulates the most points by the end of the final round being declared the winner. Everyone will have to keep track of their scores at the end of each round and add them up after all three.
A round starts with all players simultaneously choosing any card in their hands that they want to keep and placing it face-down in front of them. Once every player has done this, everyone reveals the card they chose. After all the cards are revealed, everyone exchanges hands by passing their cards to the player to their left. Everyone picks up their new hands and chooses a new card to place in front of them. Once these cards are revealed, everyone passes their hand to the player to the left again. This continues until the final card from everyone’s hand has been placed. Once all cards have been played, everyone adds up their scores and makes a note of them to be referenced later.
After the scores have been tallied, each player discards their cards face-up beside the draw pile. The remaining two rounds play out in very much the same way as the initial one. Everyone gets a new hand of cards at the start of the round and players on their turn will play a card, then pass their hand until all their cards run out, at which point the scores are calculated. After all three rounds, whoever has the highest score is the winner.
Whilst Sushi Go is, for the most part, a casual or party game, there are still certain factors players should account for when trying to maximize their scores. Some cards are worth points individually and the more you play the more you’ll score. On the other hand, certain cards must be played in conjunction with others of their kind in order to score anything. Dumplings, for example, will garner points whether one or five are played. Sashimi, however, will only grant a player points if they have three of the same card. Some cards will score points when played on their own or with other complimentary cards. Squid Nigiri and salmon nigiri will score a player a few points but will be worth significantly more if played on top of Wasabi. Players will also score bonus points at the end of the third round if they have the most pudding cards. If these are encountered at any point in the first couple of rounds, players can play these as normal but they aren’t discarded at the end of the round. Instead, they stay set aside until the end of the final round.
There are also chopsticks cards that can be utilized to a player’s advantage. When these are played from someone’s hand, that player is able to play two cards instead of just one on a future turn. This is exceptionally useful if the hand has multiple copies of the same card and can help build up a player’s score significantly. Once used, the chopsticks go back into the player’s hand and are rotated to another player who then gets an opportunity to do the same thing.
Players can also dip their favorite nigiri in wasabi to triple its value, adding a strategic layer to the game.
So although the game isn’t very strategy-heavy, there is certainly a need for players to plan ahead and try to predict what their opponents will do. Trying to mentally keep track of what cards are left in the hands rotating around the group is important, as is knowing what to focus on and pass up as the cards make their way back around to you. Having some kind of strategy in mind will help increase your chances of winning for sure. Still, it’s the simplicity of the game and it’s artistic charm that will win over people more than anything!
Sushi Go versus Sushi Go Party
In 2016, a new version of Sushi Go was released called Sushi Go Party. This version includes all the cards from the original game plus additional ones, making for more variety and replayability. It also supports up to eight players, making it perfect for larger groups or parties. Playing Sushi Go is like enjoying a great meal, leaving you satisfied and eager for more.
The gameplay is similar to the original version but with added features such as customizable menus and special action tokens that can be used to change the rules of each round. It’s a fun twist on the original game and offers more options for those who have played Sushi Go multiple times. The experience is akin to visiting a sushi bar, where each visit brings new and delightful surprises.
So whether you prefer the simplicity of the original Sushi Go or enjoy the added complexity and variety of Sushi Go Party, both versions provide a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages.
Other versions: Sushi Roll and Spin Some Dim Sum!
In addition to Sushi Go and Sushi Go Party, there are also other versions of the game available for players to enjoy. These include Sushi Roll, a dice-based version where players roll dice to collect sushi pieces, and Spin Some Dim Sum, a spin-off with similar gameplay mechanics but featuring different types of food.
Playing these variations can offer a fresh take on the original game and provide new challenges for players to conquer. It’s always exciting to try out different versions of a beloved game and see how they compare.
Additionally, playing multiple versions also allows for more variety in gameplay and can keep the game from becoming repetitive. For those who are fans of Sushi Go, checking out its spin-offs and variations is highly recommended
Also Read: Best Board Games For 9 Year Olds
Summary
Games are quick and fast-paced
Easy to learn rules
Entertaining artwork
Great social and party game
Lots of laughs
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Final Verdict
Sushi Go Game is a highly enjoyable game that’s easy to get to grips with and doesn’t take long to play through. These two factors make this card game accessible for players both young and old as well as hardcore and casual gamers. The entertaining and simple gameplay combined with some potentially hilarious social interactions make this a perfect party game. A great, fun game that everyone should give a try.
We recommend Sushi Go as our best games for 8 year olds, so check that article out for more games at this level – but this one appeals to a lot of different age groups and is a flexible choice to add to any collection.
If You Liked This:
If you enjoyed tossing your tempura in Sushi Go and fancy more of the same, below are some similar games we’re sure you’ll enjoy!
Unstable Unicorns: Be the first player to herd seven ‘unicorns’ into your stable to win. This fast-paced, whacky game features all kinds of horned creatures as well as plenty of magic, upgrade, and downgrade cards to play to affect gameplay.
Taco Vs Burrito: Answer the age-old question of ‘Taco or Burrito’ in this food-centric card game. Collect ingredients to create the most delicious-looking food. You’d be surprised with what you can get away with putting in Tacos and Burritos!
Exploding Kittens: Russian Roulette but with cats. Players draw cards from the deck, pulling items that will let them peek at the next few cards or force opponents to draw multiple cards at once. Unless it can be defused, when a player draws an exploding kitten, they’re out of the game.
Smash Up: A card game where players build a deck from two different factions and fight over bases to gain victory points. Easy to learn and quick to play but the dozens of different expansions will keep you coming back for more.
7 Wonders: Help a civilization grow and thrive across three different ages. Players use cards to expand their side’s military might, population, or wealth over a series of turns and eventually build one of the wonders of the ancient world.
Also Read: 10 Card Games Like UNO
FAQ
Q: How many players can play Sushi Go?
A: Sushi Go Game can be played with 2 to 5 players, making it a versatile game for small gatherings or larger groups.
Q: What is the average playtime for a game of Sushi Go?
A: The average playtime is around 15 to 20 minutes, which makes it a quick and engaging game perfect for parties and casual gaming sessions.
Q: Is Sushi Go suitable for children?
A: Yes, Sushi Go is suitable for children aged 8 and up. Its simple rules and fun artwork make it accessible for young players.
Q: Do I need to have experience with card games to enjoy Sushi Go?
A: No prior experience is necessary. Sushi Go is designed to be easy to learn, with straightforward rules that anyone can pick up quickly.
Q: Are there any expansions available for Sushi Go?
A: Yes, there is an expansion called Sushi Go Party! which adds new cards and allows for up to 8 players, offering more variety and replayability.
Q: Can Sushi Go be played with only two people?
A: Yes, while the game supports up to 5 players, it can also be played with just two players, though it may offer a slightly different strategic experience.
Q: What are the core strategies for winning Sushi Go?
A: Key strategies include collecting sets of the same type of card, planning ahead based on the cards being passed around, and balancing long-term goals with immediate gains.
Q: Where can I purchase Sushi Go?
A: Sushi Go can be purchased at most board game retailers, as well as online through platforms like Amazon and the publisher’s website.