The Gang review

Mike reviews this 3-6 player cooperative game of guessing hand rankings in the poker game Texas Hold Em.
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0:00 - Introduction
0:44 - Cooperative poker
1:29 - Communication limits
2:21 - Specialists and challenges
3:09 - Player count balance
3:53 - Hand evaluation
4:38 - Final thoughts

[OneStopCoopShop]

0:00 - Introduction
0:44 - Cooperative poker
1:29 - Communication limits
2:21 - Specialists and challenges
3:09 - Player count balance
3:53 - Hand evaluation
4:38 - Final thoughts

[stephembee]

I’ve found this to be one that benefits from repeated plays with the same group - ideally a 4-6 player argumentative group 😁 (We like the challenge at 6 but it is definitely the hardest!) I also like that the Omaha variant keeps it interesting - if we only ever played Texas I think it would get too samey.

[ChrisSmithSmooth]

Fantastic game, enjoyed all my plays a lot so far - The "Lets do one more" feels here are strong ^^.

Some powers/challenges certainly feel weak, but I think that's fine because being conically easy or absolutely impossible would suck - Staying near where its balanced is important (Unless you print more cards and split them up for how challenging you want the game to...or not be).

Definitely going to be group dependent - Lives firmly in the circle of games where certain players can struggle to align their thoughts with the group and that can make it frustrating.

[richard-mtl]

This game has worked really well for me, both with regular gamers, and beginner gamers. I played it at 4 and 6, and at 6, with non-gamers, the feeling of euphoria when we got the last hand and won, was one to remember for everyone who was at the table. So for me, this one's a winner.

[cheaney]

I personally find this game is great at 6 players. It is correct that it can get a bit difficult trying to decide who has the highest card as a lot of the hands can be the same rank, but isn't that the fun/core of the game? I think any of the negatives like the chaos and luck are not so negative considering how quick it is. I've only played this at board game meet ups but I am looking forward to trying this out at Christmas

[SeerMagicX]

I agree about the consistency in the challenge cards, but many of them certainly change up the game and odds.

[wrongwaywilson]

This has been a hit with my group and everyone I've taught it to has bought a copy. I'm not sure based on your criticisms that we played the same game, the communication limitations were half the fun of the game and the challenge cards all added something meaningful to the gameplay. I would agree it's a bit too easy at 3. I'd give this one a 5/5 and would suggest it as a great addition to any collection with it being great for gamers and non-gamers alike. Love your channel and appreciate the games you've brought to my attention and to my table. This is one of the few that I disagree with you but usually I'm in line with your assessments.

[phk]

I enjoy this one a lot, but it's definitely the most successful when I de-emphasize taking the game seriously. It's good for teaching poker concepts and good for casual environment, not so much for gamers wanting a tense cooperative experience.