There’s something deeply satisfying about a board game that’s quick to learn, deceptively strategic, and packed with opportunities to outwit your opponents. Hey, That’s My Fish! ticks all those boxes. It might look light-hearted with its cartoonish penguins and brightly coloured ice floes, but don’t let that fool you—this game is all about calculated moves and tactical cut-offs.
The Basics at a Glance
- Players: 2-4
- Playtime: 20 minutes
- Recommended Age: 8+
- Publisher: Fantasy Flight Games (originally by Phalanx Games)
- Designer: Alvydas Jakeliunas & Günter Cornett
- Complexity: Light to Medium
How to Play Hey, That’s My Fish! (Without Really Getting Your Feet Wet)
Okay, so the premise is simple. You’re a penguin. You like fish. You want the most fish. Makes sense, right? The game board is made up of hexagonal tiles, each with a certain number of fish on it. You and the other players take turns placing your penguins on these tiles. Then, on your turn, you move one of your penguins in a straight line, collecting the fish from the tile you leave behind.
Here’s the thing, though: when you move a penguin, the tile it was on is removed from the board. So, the board shrinks as the game goes on, and you need to be clever about how you move to maximise your fish haul. It’s all about blocking your opponents and grabbing the most lucrative tiles before they disappear.
Here’s a quick rundown of the turn sequence:
- Move a penguin: Slide one of your penguins in a straight line to a new tile. You can move as far as you like, as long as there are no gaps or other penguins in the way.
- Collect the fish: Take the fish tokens from the tile you just left.
- Remove the old tile: Take the tile where your penguin was from the board. It’s gone now!
And that’s it! Simple, isn’t it? But don’t be fooled. There’s a lot more strategy than you might think. You need to think ahead, anticipate your opponents’ moves, and plan your routes carefully.
My Thoughts on Slippery Strategy
I’ve played this game with all sorts of people, from seasoned gamers to complete newbies, and it always goes down a treat. It’s quick to learn, so you can get playing straight away, but there’s enough depth to keep you coming back for more. The tension builds as the board shrinks, and you find yourself in a frantic race for the last few fish. Honestly, it’s brilliant.
One thing I particularly like is the component quality. The penguin meeples are cute, and the tiles are sturdy. It’s a well-made game that feels good to play. At first glance, Hey, That’s My Fish! seems like a casual, luck-based game. But after a round or two, you realise that every move counts. It’s not just about grabbing fish; it’s about positioning, blocking, and isolating your opponents. One well-placed penguin can force another player into a corner with nowhere to go. And since the board shrinks every turn, the tension ramps up quickly.
For a game that plays in under 20 minutes, it offers a surprising depth of tactics. You’re constantly making trade-offs: should you go for that juicy three-fish tile, or cut off a section of the board and trap an opponent? Sometimes, playing defensively can be just as effective as aggressively snatching up fish.
Who Will Enjoy It?
Hey, That’s My Fish! is a great fit for families, casual gamers, and anyone who enjoys quick yet strategic games. It’s accessible enough for kids but has enough depth to keep adults engaged. If you like games where every move has weight—like Chess, Blokus, or Tsuro—this will be right up your alley.
A Few Tips to Get Ahead
- Don’t spread out too much – Penguins work better together. If you position them wisely, you can claim big sections of the board later on.
- Watch the board shrink – Think ahead about where your penguins will end up. You don’t want to trap yourself in a barren section with no escape.
- Force bad moves on others – Sometimes the best strategy isn’t grabbing the best tile for yourself, but forcing an opponent into a weak position.
- Two-player games feel different – With fewer players, the game becomes even more tactical. You can really corner your opponent, making it more of a head-to-head duel.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably fun about outmanoeuvring your friends and family with a well-timed move. Whether you’re casually playing with kids or engaging in a cutthroat battle of wits, Hey, That’s My Fish! delivers an experience that’s both light and satisfying. It’s small, portable, and easy to teach, making it a fantastic addition to any board game collection.