Your kids don’t have to have a pirate obsession to enjoy Gamewright’s Loot card game, but if they do, playing this pirate themed game will be all the more fun! I’m going to attempt to resist making a lot of pirate puns while I explain why Loot is our game of the month, but I can’t promise perfection.
(Note: links to game are affiliate links)
Loot was part of our Christmas booty this year, and boy what a treasure it was. (I’m not off to a good start am I?) This pirate card game has been a play date favorite since them, so I know its skullduggery pleasures are not unique to our game-crazy household.
About Loot
Loot consists of a single deck of cards. Cards include merchant ships containing golden treasure of varying values, Jolly Roger pirate ships of different villainous strengths, four scurvy pirate captains and one heroic admiral. Players launch their merchant ships into the sea and others try to capture the booty by playing ships and captains. The player with the most loot at the end of the game wins.
Why Loot is great for families:
Playing Loot is good for strategic thinking. Players need to think ahead and plan how use their ships or hold them in reserve, with the risk that holding them may backfire. No reading is required, and the math skills needed are minimal.
Loot is very portable so you can take it on your travels, although you will need sufficient playing space to spread out the cards.
For families who like to be silly, a few “Yo ho ho”s and “Avast ye”s will not be unwarranted. And the resulting giggles will lift your spirits.
Tips for Playing Loot
Loot is recommended for 2-4 players, but we found that it is so much better with at least 3 players that we no longer play the game if there are only 2 of us.
Gamewright recommends this game for ages 10 and up. I think kids as young as 8 can play easily and even younger kids can probably pick it up, too, although they will not be able to match the strategic skills of older players. However, the age recommendation of 10 and up is a good assurance that older kids will also enjoy this family card game.
Ahoy!
Awards Loot has won (so you can feel confident of your choice!):
- Mensa Select
- Parent’s Choice Silver Honor
- Major Fun Award
- Canadian Toy Testing Council – highest rating
More card games we love:
Andrew Smith says
February 19, 2019 at 10:10 amThey brought this back. I had this game 13 years ago. was so fun even as an adult. cant wait to find it in stores and teach my kids.
Andrew Smith says
February 19, 2019 at 10:20 ami was going to add it is a simplified version of an older Spanish game (Korsar) https://boardgamegeek.com/image/1710346/loot
Card games are fun period. Just taught my kids Cat and Mouse (spite & malice) they really enjoy it too.
Erica says
February 22, 2019 at 10:17 amInteresting!