Set Review: be quick and identify the sets!

For try-hard gamers out there, it's worth mentioning that there are 81 cards in total, and that the colors, shapes and types of shading can - and will! - vary between different editions of the game; it's certainly something we see in Brazil, since there were several editions from different publishers. I'll give the example of the edition I'm doing for this review:

The setup is very simple: just shuffle all 81 cards, place 12 of them face-up in the center of the table in a 3x4 grid and leave the remaining cards face-down together in a deck to the side. That's it!

Set has no turns - it is played in real-time, which means all players compete simultaneously, trying to find and take for themselves a set of 3 cards that are either completely the same or completely different in any category.

It's simple, just analyze whether the 3 chosen cards have:

There you go! The real fun in Set is to rush out to find pattern - or rather, patterns - before your opponents.

The following image shows an example of a pattern, a Set, in which:

In the next image, we have an example of something that is not a Set, because:

The flow of the gameplay should be something like this:

Important: if, during the game, upon checking the 12 cards, everyone agrees that there is no possible Set among them, 3 new cards are brought from the deck, and now there should be 15 cards in the center of the table. Once a Set is confirmed among the 15, no new cards should be brought from the deck, thus returning to 12 cards and the game continues.

That's how to play Set!

Ending the Game

Even if the deck of cards runs out, the game continues, only without new cards placed on the table, until the remaining cards no longer can form a Set.

Now it’s time to count points. Each Set awards 1 point, and incorrect Sets discount 1 point. Whoever has the most positive points at the end, wins!

Strategy Tips

The golden tip for Set is: be quick! Don't get distracted! Keep your eyes on the 12 cards.

I'll be honest, eventually your eyes will get tired. Looking for patterns all the time really is exhausting, but that doesn't take away from the merit or fun of the game. Or maybe it's just because my eyesight is already tired, who knows?

I confess that the hardest part for me is remembering the 4 categories to be analyzed. In case you have the same difficulty, they are: color, shape, quantity and shading. Try to memorize these categories!

At first, it may not be easy to identify whether the 4 categories are completely the same or completely different, but this is just practice. Over time, you will become so fast that you will infuriate your opponents! For some, it may be easier, but remember: practice! Eventually you will become an expert in finding patterns.

Another important tip: check carefully before shouting Set!, because after that there is no going back. You will either gain or lose 1 point. Don't be hasty, even though it's a real time game - patience is part of the process.

Use your logic and visual perception to spot patterns and win in Set!

Unboxing:

Rules and Gameplay:

Set is an excellent option if you want to stimulate children's attention, logical thinking and visual perception.

It's a non-stop dynamic, since you need to be focused at all times throughout the game, checking if there is a pattern of color, quantity, shading and shape. It is an excellent exercise, because repetition leads to perfection.

Visual perception, together with focus and attention, will be uninterruptedly present, since it is based on these stimuli that the patterns are confirmed.

Set is not a game that potentially stimulates something in children, it stimulates nonstop and incentivizes real time thinking.

Take advantage of the game to teach your child about different shapes, colors, quantities and shadings. Remeber that the minimum age is 6 years - don't be shy to play it a lot!

Pedagogically, Set brings important stimuli and is fun!

I recommend Set for your collection!