Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Board Game Review
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, designed by Dave Campbell and published by Dolphin Hat Games in 2018, delivers fast-paced party chaos in a compact package. This real-time card game tests reflexes and memory as players race to slap the central pile at the right moment. Supporting 2-8 players aged 8 and up with games lasting 10-30 minutes, it won the 2021 Palme d’Or for Best Party Game. This review covers gameplay, components, and whether this hand-slapping card game belongs on your shelf.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Overview
The premise sounds absurd because it is. Players flip cards from their personal deck while chanting “Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza” in sequence. When the spoken word matches the revealed card, everyone races to slap the pile. The slowest player collects all the cards.
Three special cards add physical challenges. Gorillas require chest-beating. Groundhogs demand table-knocking. Narwhals force players to form a horn above their heads. Forget the gesture or slap late, and those cards become yours.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Dave Campbell (II) |
| Publisher | Dolphin Hat Games |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Players | 2–8 |
| Age Range | 8+ |
| Playing Time | 10–30 Minutes |
| Game Type | Party / Real-Time / Action Dexterity |
| Complexity Rating | 1.03 / 5 |
What’s in the Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Box
The game includes 66 cards packed in a small, portable box. Card stock holds up well to repeated slapping, though aggressive groups may see wear over time.
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Taco Cards | 11 |
| Cat Cards | 11 |
| Goat Cards | 11 |
| Cheese Cards | 11 |
| Pizza Cards | 11 |
| Narwhal Cards | 3 |
| Gorilla Cards | 3 |
| Groundhog Cards | 3 |
| Instruction Cards | 2 |
The artwork features simple, cartoonish illustrations that appeal to children and adults alike. At an MSRP of $9.99, the value proposition stands strong for a game providing hours of entertainment.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rules teach in under two minutes, making it accessible to any group
- Portable size fits in a pocket or small bag for travel
- Physical actions create memorable moments and genuine laughter
- Scales well from 2 players to full parties of 8
- Budget-friendly price point under $10
- No reading required during gameplay, suitable for young children
Cons
- Limited strategic depth means experienced gamers may tire quickly
- Physical slapping may not suit all players or environments
- Repetitive gameplay loop offers little variety between sessions
- Cards can wear from constant slapping
- Volume levels escalate quickly in excited groups
How to Play Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Setup
Shuffle the deck and deal all cards face-down as evenly as possible. With 2-5 players, deal 12 cards each and return extras to the box. Each player places their cards in a personal draw pile without looking at them.
Gameplay
The player left of the dealer flips their top card onto a central pile while saying “Taco.” The next player flips and says “Cat.” Play continues clockwise through the sequence: Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza, then repeating from Taco.
Cards must flip outward so the player cannot preview their card. Peeking earns you the pile.
Matching and Slapping
When the spoken word matches the revealed card, all players race to slap the central pile. The last hand on the pile takes all the cards. False slaps or flinching toward the pile also results in collecting the cards.
Special Card Actions
Special cards trigger mandatory gestures before slapping. Gorilla cards require beating your chest with both hands. Groundhog cards demand knocking on the table. Narwhal cards force you to form a horn above your head with your hands. Complete the action, then slap. Wrong gestures or slow slaps mean taking the pile.
Winning
The first player to empty their hand and successfully slap on a match or special card wins. Even with no cards remaining, players must continue chanting in sequence and slapping when appropriate.
Where to Buy Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
| Retailer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Wide availability, Prime shipping |
| Target | Often in-store and online |
| Walmart | Budget-friendly option |
| BoardGameBliss | Specialty board game retailer |
| Game Nerdz | Competitive pricing |
| Local Game Stores | Support local businesses |
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Game Mechanics
The game combines pattern recognition with speed matching. Players must track the five-word sequence while monitoring revealed cards for matches. This dual-task creates the core tension as brains struggle to process both streams of information.
Real-time mechanics eliminate turns during slapping moments. Everyone acts simultaneously, creating chaotic bursts of activity punctuated by methodical card-flipping. The interrupt mechanism of special cards adds unpredictability.
Race elements drive player interaction. Competition remains direct and physical without attacking opponents or controlling resources. The mechanics create natural handicapping since collecting cards makes winning harder, keeping games competitive.
Who Should Play Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Families with children aged 8 and up will find this game shines brightest. The rules accommodate younger players while remaining engaging for adults. Party groups seeking icebreakers or warm-up games before heavier titles benefit from the quick setup and playtime.
Players seeking strategic depth or meaningful decisions should look elsewhere. Similar to Snap or Dobble, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza rewards reflexes over planning. Groups uncomfortable with physical contact or loud environments may prefer calmer alternatives.
The game works best as an appetizer rather than a main course. Pull it out while waiting for friends to arrive, between longer games, or when energy levels need boosting. At higher player counts, the chaos multiplies and entertainment peaks.
FAQ
Is Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza good for beginners?
Absolutely. The rules take under two minutes to explain, and gameplay requires no reading or complex decisions. Children as young as 6 can participate successfully, though the official age rating is 8+. The learning curve is essentially flat.
How long does Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza take to play?
Most games finish within 10-15 minutes. Larger groups may extend to 30 minutes as more players mean more opportunities for pile growth. Setup takes under a minute, making it easy to play multiple rounds in one sitting.
What’s the best player count for Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza?
The sweet spot falls between 4-6 players. Fewer players reduce the chaos and excitement. More players increase wait time between turns but amplify the slapping frenzy during matches. The game functions at all player counts within its 2-8 range.
Is Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza worth buying?
At under $10, the value proposition is strong for families and party gamers. The game delivers consistent laughter and memorable moments. Serious strategy gamers will find limited replay value, but the target audience will return to it repeatedly.
What games are similar to Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza?
Happy Salmon offers similar physical chaos with different actions. Dobble and Snap share the speed-matching core. Throw Throw Burrito adds projectiles to reaction gameplay. Jungle Speed uses a totem instead of slapping for another reflex-testing option.
