Speculaas (2024)

About this game

Speculaas is a simultaneous card drafting, card laying, set collection game for 1-5 players, ages 10+, playing time around 20 min. Speculaas are spiced shortbread cookies originating from the Netherlands and Belgium which are molded into different shapes usually depicting windmills, ships and animals. The spice mix is made from cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and white pepper. In Speculaas players are pastry chefs who are trying to score the most victory points by collecting Spice cards and matching them with Recipe (scoring) cards. —description from the designer

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 1 to 5. It has a designed solo mode.
• Rules load. At 1.3/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.