SCOUT
Scout is a strategic card game where players compete to earn the most points by scouting, showing or scouting and showing cards. Usually, players play a better set of cards than the previous player to get points.
How Complex is SCOUT?
Scout is an easy game to learn and play with fewer rules & complexity making it a lightweight family game.
How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of SCOUT?
Luck plays an important role in Scout as players are dealt an initial hand of cards randomly, but strategic decisions and planning can mitigate the luck factor of the hand of cards dealt.
How much Player Interaction does SCOUT offer?
Scout offers little player interaction, as players don't directly compete for anything during the game.
How much Replayability does SCOUT offer?
Scout offers moderate replayability due to the variable nature of cards dealt to you each game.
Why you should play SCOUT
Easy to learn
Scout is easy to learn, with simple rules that can be explained to players of 8+ age in just a few minutes.
Unique mechanism
In Scout, you can't change the order of cards. But, you can reverse all of your cards once after it's dealt which is unique to this game and can't often be seen in other games.
Compact
The box of Scout is portable. It can even fit in your pant pocket. You can carry it anywhere and play it wherever you want.
Quicker gameplay
A game of Scout is relatively short and can be played in 10mins per player making it a great filler game.
Why you should avoid SCOUT
Not suitable for players who prefer heavy strategy games
While Scout offers a good amount of strategy, it may not be enough for players who prefer heavier, more complex games.
Limited player interaction
The game has limited player interaction, with players mostly focused on their own hand of cards. This may not appeal to players who prefer games with more direct player interaction.
Randomness can be frustrating
The luck factor introduced by the cards dealt can be frustrating to some players who hate luck-based games.
Overall, while Scout is a well-designed and engaging game, it may not be suitable for all players depending on their preferences.
Where to play SCOUT online?
- Oink digital apps - https://oinkgames.com/en/games/digital/lets-play-oink-games/
Where to find the Rules of SCOUT
Check the rules of SCOUT in a PDF file.
You can also find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the SCOUT files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.
Beginner Strategies for SCOUT
These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of SCOUT.
Decide the orientation of the starting hand
After the cards are dealt, you have to decide if to keep the cards as it is or to reverse and keep them. Check both sides and keep the one that will benefit you the most.
Scout strategically
Sometimes it's okay to scout even though you can show to maximize your points. For example, you have 5-6-7-9-10-4-4, and the cards on the table are 7-8. You can scout and take the 8 instead of playing your 4-4.
On your next turn, play the set you formed by taking 8. Playing a long consecutive set can earn you more points than scoring 2 points.
Keep an eye on other players' hand size
Paying attention to the hand size of players can help you decide what to do in your next turn. If they are scouting on two consecutive turns, it's a sign that they may play a long set next turn.
Advanced Strategies for SCOUT
Scout and show strategically
You get to do it only one time during a round. So, if you are sure you will get the maximum points or discard all the cards in your hand, scout and show.
When possible, force other players to scout
Playing a long set and forcing others to scout will earn you more points. Wait for the correct time to play your long set. You will get points for the set you topped & other players will find it hard to show hence, they will scout and give you points.
Discard maximum cards towards the end
If you know that the round is ending, try to discard as many cards from your hand as soon as possible as it will give you negative points at the end of the round.
A set of the same cards is more powerful
In Scout, a perfect set of the same cards can have 9 cards. While it's too good to be true, you try to form a long set of the same cards when you already have more than the average number of the same cards. This can make it easier for you to win.
