FIKA is the Swedish tradition of taking a break and enjoy a hot drink with a snack. That sounds peaceful, well think again. FIKA is a compact two-player game where you and your rival are cafe owners and are vying to make the most money by sabotaging each other. The game is quick, tense, and as cutthroat as it gets! If you are not a morning person, do not play this with your partner in the AM!
How It Plays
Each round, you and your opponent draft and place cards into your café’s row of five slots. Cards are numbered 1–6 in three suits, and each has its own special effect and scoring objective. Effects range from swapping cards with your opponent to manipulating card positions in your café—or even hijacking “Groups” (those cup-filled back-of-card bonuses) to maximize your scoring potential
Here’s the twist: every round begins with choosing a primary and secondary suit, which determines turn priority when card numbers tie. This simple rule adds layers of planning, as you not only need to think about what to play but also when rounds end with scoring based on your cards’ objectives. Did you line up matching numbers, complete a numbered sequence, or get the perfect suit collection? Your café's layout matters, and it feels like a delicious yet tension filled puzzle every time. First to win two rounds wins the game!
Pros
Beautiful Art!
Simultaneous Play: There’s zero downtime here. Both players choose, reveal, and place cards at the same time
Tactical Depth in a Tiny Box: FIKA packs a ton of strategy into just 18 café cards and a handful of components
That Perfect Tension: The back-and-forth nature of swapping and manipulating cards creates this delicious tug-of-war dynamic. You’re constantly trying to outsmart your opponent without overcommitting too early
Considerations
Learning Curve: While the rules are straightforward, mastering the interactions between card effects and scoring objectives takes a few games
Box size: Since the game only has a few cards, I wonder if it would have been a better pocket game like the ones from Button Shy
Cut Throat: The game mechanics are very deceiving and can cause tension
Final Thoughts
FIKA isn’t just a game; it’s a strategic dance. It’s about adapting to your opponent’s moves, timing your plays, and finding clever ways to eke out a win. And the best part? You can fit a full game into a coffee break—though you’ll probably want a rematch or two.
If you love head-to-head games with tight mechanics and a side of player interaction, this is your cup of tea (or coffee). It’s simple enough to teach but has enough depth to keep you coming back for more. So, grab a pastry, pour yourself a brew, and settle in for a delightfully tense café duel. FIKA might just be the best coffee break you’ve ever had or the beginning of a fight with a loved one!
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