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Let’s go Fishing
For such a small-box game, Lure packs in a surprising number of components. Each player receives seven dice, including five six-sided dice, one twelve-sided die, and a chunky twenty-sided die. They also get their own player aid, which doubles as a screen for hiding bids. Alongside these are a bag of lure tokens and a beautifully illustrated deck of river fish, ready to be caught.
Reeling in the Rules
The goal of Lure is simple: catch the most valuable fish by rolling dice and meeting their unique requirements. But fishing is never that easy. In Lure , players must balance risk and reward as they compete to reel in the best catch while making sure they don’t get left empty-handed.
At the start of each round, players secretly decide how many dice they want to roll. Choosing fewer dice means going earlier in the turn order, which allows players to claim fish before others. However, rolling fewer dice also lowers the chances of catching anything. When everyone reveals their dice, the player with the fewest rolls first and attempts to meet the conditions needed to reel in a fish.
Each fish has its own unique requirements. Some need specific numbers, others require a total score, and a few demand matching or entirely different values on the dice. Using more dice increases the probability of meeting these conditions, but it also pushes the player's turn later in the round. By the time they roll, other players may have already taken the best fish, leaving fewer options. With two special dice to mix and match, players can tweak their strategy, but once used, these dice have a cooldown, adding another layer of decision-making.
When learning the ropes, I went all in with lots of dice to try and capture as many fish as possible. However, my opponent had two fewer dice, which meant they went first and managed to take two out of the three fish available. The last remaining fish required two dice not to match, and since I had rolled so many, the odds of getting a duplicate were high. On this occasion, I came away with nothing, putting me on the back foot straight away.
If a player fails to catch a fish, they are rewarded with a lure token instead. These tokens allow players to adjust their dice rolls, gain extra points, or even stand in for specific dice results. This introduces an additional layer of strategy, helping to balance out the game's reliance on luck. Once all the fish have been claimed, players total their points, and the person with the highest score wins.
Final Thoughts
Lure is a quick and accessible game that can be played in about twenty minutes. It is easy to teach, intuitive to learn, and works well at any player count. With player aids included, it is beginner-friendly and enjoyable for all skill levels.
Additionally, the bidding mechanic adds an exciting level of tension, particularly when waiting to see if another player claims the fish, you had your eye on. However, the luck factor can sometimes be frustrating, as no amount of planning can fully prepare for a bad roll. One time, I tried to catch a fish that required a high score, but I wanted to keep my dice count low to avoid my earlier mistake. Confident in my D12 and D20, I thought I had it in the bag. I even used a 6-lure to boost my score. But as I rolled, it all went downhill—I ended up with a measly 2 and 3! My opponent then swept in and took three fish using their many dice, completely wrecking my game plan. For players who prefer more control over their strategy, moments like this may feel frustrating.
Despite this, Lure is a fantastic filler game that fits well into any game night. It has a party-game feel while offering a little more depth than a typical dice or card game, and its portability makes it a great travel choice.
Adding to its appeal, is the theme and design. The cutesy artwork makes even the dullest river fish look charming, while the colourful dice and lure tokens add a satisfying tactile element often missing from small-box games.
That said, with player interaction mostly limited to the bidding phase, some may find it a little on the lightweight side. However, the upcoming Deep Water expansion looks set to bring more variety, adding new fish, a four-sided die, and extra mechanics to enhance the experience.
This fishing trip comes down to whether you love the thrill of the roll or prefer to play it safe. If you are happy to take a gamble and embrace the unpredictable nature of the game, Lure is an absolute delight.
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