Hi Lo Flip by Gamewright is a must for all you who love a good interactive card game. It is true to say that there is an element of skill and hand management, but there is also a great deal of play the hand you are dealt and hope the chip falls in your favour.
The idea of the game is you go higher or lower than the card last-placed depending on what the chip says. If you can't go, flip the chip and if you still can't go the last player to have laid a card takes the pile. You then start another pile with a card from your hand and carry on. Once a player gets at least 75 points at the end of a round, the game ends. Whoever has the highest score, wins.⠀
Throw in some special cards:⠀
*If ending in 1 = Next player draws a card but skips a turn⠀
*Ending in 2 = Lay a second card⠀
*Ending in 0 = 10 points when scoring ⠀
Play in a nutshell!⠀
This is another of those fast-paced fun games. It's colourful and a great one for social occasions.
Hi Lo Flip – How it played
Cards of rainbow colours with numbers on them, some with abilities…it’s Uno, right? Wrong!
Given the fact you are vying for points as opposed to just losing cards, you have to think about the cards you lay and try to get the 0’s.
The chip is what really makes the game. It is a good weight and it feels nice. Not just thin cheap plastic. This is fun and dynamic and creates a moment of tension as you wait to see how it falls. You have to think on your toes and change your game plan at the drop of a hat, or chip.
It is not a difficult one to learn, even for those younger ones, and as a result, is fantastic for the whole family. Naturally, a quick-paced card game like this does not have a great deal of downtime between turns. This adds to the appeal for younger players who may otherwise end up wandering off between turns and seek other forms of entertainment.
It does generate a great deal of interaction and laughs.
I know, I know…not exactly an epic in-depth review, but what more could you need? This is a great simple game that is easy to learn and belongs in the collection of anyone who loves quick-fire family/group games.
I am a big fan of games that can also be used for educational purposes. Hi-Lo Flip is one of those that can be used to encourage logical thinking and maths, in a fun way. You could play this after a game of Forbidden Sky also by Gamewright (amazing and exciting way to explain electrical circuits). I have 2 suggestions for this game that I think would make it complete:⠀
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1) Hi Lo Flip score cards/tracker
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Score cards/trackers are always great, particularly in a game that needs you to tally as you go. In the absence of a score tracker, make sure you have a pencil and paper to hand.
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2) Compact boxThe box is one that stands out. My only issue with it is the size to component ratio. I know this is a standing dilemma with pretty much every game. Hi-Lo Flip does not lend itself to an expansion (just my opinion), and it does not need one. Reducing the box size would turn it into one of those games you could slip in your pocket or bag just incase ...maybe Gamewright could do a travel box for it.
Come to think of it, you could just order a Deck Box in whatever colour you want from Zatu. That would do the trick!
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Even with the above taken into account, this is a very good game that I would recommend. Once we can get back to some form of social normality, we look forward to playing Hi Lo Flip many a time!⠀