Sea Salt & Paper

Sea Salt and Paper is a delightful set collection game that shines with its simplicity while still being exciting and competitive . The core mechanics are easy to grasp: on your turn, you either draw a card from one of the discard piles or draw two cards from the deck and discard one. You can also play a pair of “Duo” cards to trigger an effect. While the rules are straightforward, the game offers surprising depth. Success hinges on keen observation—watching which cards other players are collecting and tracking what’s being discarded into each pile.

One of the standout features is the end-of-round mechanism. The player who ends the round has the option to bet that their hand has the highest point total. This twist adds suspense and tension, especially when you risk losing or gaining a significant number of points. It’s a clever way for players who have fallen behind to stage a comeback without it ever feeling unfair.

The game’s dynamics shift slightly depending on the player count. In a two-player game, for instance, the Shark Attack cards become more important, and the game feels more like a direct duel. With four players, it feels a little more relaxed.

Despite its simplicity, Sea Salt and Paper has replay value. I’ve played it numerous times, and it’s still as enjoyable as when I first started. I’m also looking forward to trying the mini-expansion to see how it tweaks the gameplay and keeps things fresh.

The game’s components are charming as well. The cards feature…