It was hard to miss all the cool fish bags in their booth. Plus they had a table right in the front corner where people were playing Happy Salmon non-stop.
It’s a party-style game that has a way of pulling people in with its active and quick play.
In fact, reading our review of Happy Salmon may take longer than playing a game of Happy Salmon.
Happy Salmon could be the perfect party game for you if you want something fast-paced, fun, and interactive. This crazy card game has taken the gaming world by storm. People of all ages can have hours of fun with it.
Here’s everything you need to know about this fun party game: what is Happy Salmon? How do you play it?
Happy Salmon is a collaborative card game designed for 3-8 players. The game was created by North Star Games and released in 2016. It quickly became popular at parties and gatherings thanks to its simple rules, fast gameplay, and outrageous actions.
The game comes with 72 cards divided into 4 different colored decks as well as a fun salmon-shaped pouch to hold the cards. Each player gets a deck of 12 cards in the same color. The cards show different actions like “High Five”, “Switcheroo”, and “Happy Feet.”
The object of the game is to get rid of all your cards by matching actions with other players. It’s fast and frenzied as everyone tries to make matches at the same time. When two players match, they complete the action then discard those cards. The first player to run out of cards wins!
It’s ideal for all types of gatherings since it accommodates a wide range of players Plus it gets shy guests engaged since everyone plays at once. The colorful art and crazy actions make for laugh-out-loud fun for all ages
Setting Up a Game of Happy Salmon
Starting a game of Happy Salmon is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
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Divide the deck into 4 equal stacks by color.
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Have each player take one colored deck of 12 cards.
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Each player shuffles their deck and holds the cards facedown.
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Sit in a circle so players can easily see and interact with each other.
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Elect one player to start the first round.
Once everyone has their deck shuffled and ready, you’re set to begin! Just have the starting player count down “1, 2, 3, Happy Salmon!” and flip those cards over.
How to Play Happy Salmon
Gameplay in Happy Salmon is delightfully frantic. Here are the basics:
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On “Go”, every player flips over their top card and shouts the action shown.
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Players try to match the same action with another player.
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When two players match, they complete the action then discard those cards.
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Players keep shouting and finding new matches until all cards are gone.
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The first player to discard their entire deck wins!
Matching actions can include high-fiving, dancing, pinky swearing, and other zany motions. Anytime two players match, they have to do the action together, adding to the chaos.
Play moves quickly with everyone shouting and moving at once. So pay close attention to make those matches happen faster. The silly actions get the whole group laughing and bonding.
Tips and Tricks for Happy Salmon Success
Like any party game, Happy Salmon takes a few rounds to master. Here are some tips to help your gameplay:
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Move around the playing area to engage with different players each round. Don’t just stay next to one player.
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Glance around frequently to spot matches as soon as possible. Hesitation loses matches.
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Use big energetic motions and loud shouting to get noticed.
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If you can’t find a match, quickly discard that card and move on.
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Laugh, be goofy, and have fun with it! The more you embrace the actions, the more enjoyment for everyone.
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Consider having players introduce themselves or share a quick fact before starting. This helps shy guests loosen up.
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For larger groups, use more decks or divide into two smaller groups playing side by side.
Happy Salmon Expansions & Versions
The base Happy Salmon game provides endless fun on its own. But North Star Games also offers some expansion packs to take the frenzy even further.
The Party Pack expansion provides 2 more decks in new colors, yellow and purple, adding crazier actions like “Happy Dance” and “Selfie.” This allows up to 12 players.
For more adult parties, there’s the Happy Salmon NSFW expansion. It includes R-rated actions like “Body Shots” and “Lap Dance” for 21+ groups. Not for the faint of heart!
North Star also released a fast-paced Happy Salmon app. Players can flip digital cards and race to find matches against on-screen opponents.
Why Happy Salmon is a Must-Have Party Game
What sets Happy Salmon apart from other party games? Here’s why it should be on your game shelf:
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Simple to Learn: With just one action per card, new players can jump right in.
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Quick Games: Most rounds last just 5 minutes so you can fit in lots of replays.
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Big Group Play: It works for any group between 3-8 players.
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Constant Engagement: Everyone plays at once so no one sits out.
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Big Energy: The vocal shouting and physical actions get everyone energized.
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Laugh Out Loud Fun: The silly motions and frenzy make every round hilarious.
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Customizable: Use expansion packs to tailor the game for different groups.
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Travel-Friendly: It’s compact and portable making it ideal for parties on the go.
So if you’re seeking a lively game that delights players of all types, Happy Salmon delivers exciting action-packed fun in minutes. Just be prepared for cheeks hurting from laughter and smiles!
Happy Salmon – How to Play
FAQ
Is happy salmon the same as slappy salmon?
When did the Happy Salmon game come out?
Are happy salmon cards good?
The thick and sturdy cards are perfect for the pace of the game. For a frantic game with players holding their whole deck and tossing cards all over when discarding them quickly, the cards have to stand up to the beating. And the Happy Salmon cards do exactly that. They’re perfectly suited for the type of game play Happy Salmon engenders.
Is Happy Salmon a good game?
Happy Salmon is a top recommendation for those who want to add some liveliness and spice to their upcoming game nights. Instead of merely sitting and moving pieces on a board, this game makes everyone stand up, get active, and perform silly actions to add to the fun and laughter.
Who is happy salmon for?
Happy Salmon is made for people 6 years old and up. It requires players to get up and moving, as well as verbally talking to understand actions and make connections. It is a great family game to play with anyone ages 6 and up. What are the rules for Happy Salmon? The rules of Happy Salmon are simple.
Is Happy Salmon a good game night bag?
What stands out about Happy Salmon is its fast-paced nature, allowing you to indulge in multiple rounds. For many, it has become a permanent resident in the game night bags because of its perfect remedy for any energy lull. However, if your group is smaller, you might want to hold off until you gather a larger crowd.