How To Play: Copycat

Overview

Ever tried out Copycat and ended the night yelling at your deck like it owes you money? Same here. This guide covers all you need: a handy outline of the game rules, plus the best strategies I’ve cooked up after too many late-night rounds with friends. If you want to know How To Play copycat—and actually win for once—you’re in the right place!

What’s in the box

• 1 Game board
• 163 Cards
• 80 Wooden markers
• 60 Wooden meeples
• 4 Summary cards
• 4 Player boards
• 1 Rulebook

How To Play Copycat: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Each player takes a player board, marker discs, and a starting deck.
2. Shuffle the main deck and deal face-up cards to fill the action row.
3. Place money tokens and victory points where everyone can reach them.
4. Set out the office boards and put each player’s marker on the start spaces.
5. Decide who goes first, preferably not the person who just spilled their drink.

Gameplay

1. Draw five cards from your deck. Don’t peek at your neighbor’s. Unless you want a friendly argument.
2. On your turn, play cards to get money, perform actions, or hire new cards.
3. Use office actions like moving up tracks, taking bonuses, or triggering combos. Try not to look too smug.
4. Buy as many cards as you can afford. Go broke wisely.
5. Discard everything and draw a new hand. If your deck runs out, shuffle your discard pile and keep going.

Winning

1. When the game ends (the card row can’t refill or someone finishes the office track), count your points.
2. Add up points from cards, office tracks, and random bonuses you somehow collected.
3. The player with the most points is the champion of copying and catting. Throw confetti responsibly.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you trigger bonus actions, resolve them immediately before moving on.
2. Watch for endgame triggers. The game does not forgive missed deadlines.
3. Ties are broken by who has the most money left. If tied, argue over who had the best cat impression.

If you’re still unsure How To Play Copycat, don’t worry—after your first game, you’ll be copying strategies with the best of them. Just be ready for friendly chaos and a lot of laughs!

Best Copycat Strategies

Snag the Best Cards First and Outsmart Everyone!

Spotting High-Value Cards Early

When you play Copycat, you need to act fast when card drafting starts. I learned this the hard way by choosing boring cards and watching my friends grab all the best options. Next time, focus on these:

1. Look for cards that give steady income—they help every turn.
2. Snatch those combo cards early, so you build towards something fun.
3. Pick versatile actions; you want flexibility when plans go sideways.

Balancing Risk and Reward

Sometimes, a flashy card shows up. Ask yourself—is it worth it now, or will it mess up your deck later? Stay alert!

How To Play copycat Like a Pro

Always adjust to what others draft. If someone hoards a card type, pivot and scoop up what they leave behind.

Mastering the Clock: Office Action Timing in Copycat

Strike While the Desk Is Hot

Timing your office actions is the secret sauce in Copycat. If you wait too long, someone will snatch your perfect move. But if you rush, you may miss a better chance. So, always watch what others do and react fast.

1. Stay flexible. Adjust plans based on what your rivals choose.
2. Take key actions early if they’re vital to your setup.
3. Save your best moves for when you can block an opponent.

Chain Your Moves

If you link office actions, you get more done. Plan to follow up your main action with something that supports it right away.

1. Stack actions to get the most out of each turn.
2. Always check if a cheap action fits in after a big play.

Watch for Endgame Surprises

Near the end, timing matters most. Make sure your actions line up for those last big points. That’s how you learn How To Play copycat like a champ!

Master Deck Building: Play Copycat Like a Pro

Streamline Your Office

Keep your deck lean. Every card must have a true purpose. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a sluggish, confused pile instead of a well-oiled point machine.

1. Remove starter cards early if possible.
2. Favor cards with combos and strong actions.
3. Don’t bloat! Only take what helps your main goal.

Balance Your Engine

It’s easy to focus on flashy cards, but balance is key. Too much of one card type will leave you stuck.

1. Mix income, actions, and points for a steady flow.
2. Fix weak spots fast; don’t wait until you crash!

Adapt and Overcome

If you notice your pals snatching all the good cards, adapt! Remember, the best way on how to play copycat is to stay flexible and grab what fits your plan.

1. Watch rivals. Change gears if needed.
2. Don’t chase every trend — focus on your own victory path.

Final Thoughts: Outfox Your Friends!

Alright, that’s my wisdom on How To Play copycat and maybe, just maybe, win. My friends still curse the day they let me run wild with those combo cards, but hey, someone’s gotta teach them! Pick your cards, time your moves, and keep your deck leaner than my chances at a salad bar. Most important? Have a blast, banter, and don’t let anyone steal your stapler. Good luck—may your strategy be sharp and your coffee always full!

Want to know what we think of Copycat? Read our detailed review of Copycat here