Who wouldn’t want the perfect summer picnic? The smell of smoke, meat and vegetables sizzling, a relaxed get-together with friends or family... But what if the weather turns bad, or you simply don’t have a garden? Alley Cat Games has come up with a solution that brings all the excitement and fun of a picnic straight to your kitchen table, in the smallest possible form.
Barbecubes is a fast-paced, exciting and thoroughly entertaining skill-based board game that has become synonymous with a ‘filler’ game (a game you play between other games) amongst more challenging titles, or as the main entertainment on laid-back evenings. Although it looks simple at first glance – after all, who doesn’t know how to put a piece of meat on the barbecue? – Barbecubes quickly proves that there’s a world of difference between theory and practice, especially when you’re doing it with a miniature tong!
Why has Barbecubes become such a massive hit?
Barbecubes isn’t just another tower-building game.
1. Instant accessibility and ‘Zero-Rule’ learning
Most people don’t like reading 30-page-long instructions before they start playing. You can explain Barbecubes in under 30 seconds. The basic rule is clear to everyone: “Take a card, pick up the food with the tongs, place it on the barbecue. Don’t let go of it.” This incredible simplicity means the game can be played by grandchildren with their grandmothers, complete beginners, or experienced players as a quick break between epic strategy sessions. It is completely language-independent, as there is no text on the components.
2. The psychology of tension and laughter
The game capitalises on the universal human pleasure of watching others perform fine motor skills under pressure (much like in a game of Jenga). When a player, with a slightly trembling hand, attempts to place that final steak onto an already completely packed grill, a palpable silence descends upon the room, broken either by a collective sigh of relief or a wave of laughter as the blocks come crashing down. It is this cycle of tension and release that keeps players coming back.
3. Stunning visual appeal
What could be lovelier than little wooden components? In Barbecubes, the pieces of food are designed in a wonderful, colourful ‘pixel art’ style reminiscent of classic 8-bit video games. Steaks, chicken thighs, sausages and fish are pleasant to the touch and look delicious. This aesthetic touch plays a big part in the game’s initial appeal – people simply want to pick up these components.
4. Strong player interaction and low cost
The game isn’t just about stacking for yourself; it’s about stacking against others. Every ‘clumsy’ move you make can make things harder for the next player, creating a healthy dose of competitiveness. What’s more, the game is exceptionally affordable, making Barbecubes the ideal gift or impulse buy for any household.
Detailed instructions and how to play: Become a barbecue master!
To ensure your first barbecue goes off without a hitch, let’s take a look at what’s in the box and how the cooking works. Don’t forget: in this game, your hand is your most important resource!
1. List of components: What’s in the box?
Although the packaging is small (a metal tin, ideal for travelling), it’s packed with high-quality components:
- 1x Metal tin: Serves as both packaging and the base for the grill (where the ‘hot coals’ are placed).
- 2x Wooden grills: These are assembled to form a cooking surface, which is placed on top of the metal box.
- 36x wooden food components: Various shapes and sizes in a pixel-art style (e.g. blue fish, brown burgers, red sausages, brown chicken thighs, pink bacon and red steaks).
- 2x Pairs of miniature plastic tongs: Essential tools for cooking.
- 1x Set of cards: Challenge cards that determine which food you need to cook.
- 1x Set of game rules: Short, clear and to the point.
2. Game Setup: A detailed description of how to set up the game
Setting up Barbecubes is quicker than heating up real charcoal.
- Base: Place the bottom part of the metal box in the centre of the table. This is your ‘fire’.
- Grill: Take both wooden grills and arrange them to form a stable grid, then place them on top of the metal box. Note: the grill does not click into place firmly, but ‘floats’ on the edge, which increases instability!
- Food storage: Arrange all the wooden food components directly on the table around the metal box so that they are accessible to everyone.
- Card deck: Shuffle the cards and place them face down to one side.
- Equipment: Place the tongs next to the pile of cards.
- Start: The youngest player or the one who last ate something from the barbecue goes first.
3. Game mechanics: Detailed description of turns and phases
The game proceeds in a clockwise direction. When it is your turn, carry out the following steps:
A. Drawing a card and identifying the challenge
Draw the top card from the pile and show it to everyone. The card clearly shows:
- Type of food: E.g. chicken thighs or sausage.
- Placement conditions (Grid): A section of the grid is drawn on the card. You can place the food on one or two bars.
B. Cooking with tongs
Hold the tongs in one hand. Use the tongs to pick up the required food from the ‘pantry’ on the table. Now the real challenge begins:
- No using your other hand: You must not use your other hand or fingers to help. All manipulation must be carried out exclusively with the tongs.
- Position: Carefully move the food over the barbecue and place it on the grill.
- Conditions: The food must touch the required number of bars. It may also touch other pieces of food already on the grill.
- Be careful with the ‘fire’: No part of the new food or existing food must fall through the grill into the ‘fire’ (the inside of the metal box).
4. Winning conditions: How exactly is the winner determined?
The game continues until the barbecue is filled to the critical point.
What happens if food falls through?
If, during your turn (whilst you are trying to place food or after you have placed it), any piece of food (whether new or old) falls into the fire, you have made a mistake.
Take a card: As a penalty, take the card you were just trying to complete and place it face down in front of you. This is your ‘penalty point’.
End of the game and determining the winner:
There are two ways for the game to end:
- Elimination (Most common outcome): If a player collects two penalty cards (food falls into the fire twice), they are eliminated from the game. The last remaining player who has not yet been eliminated is declared the Ultimate Barbecue Master and the winner.
- Running out of cards: If the deck runs out before enough players have been eliminated, the winner is the player with the fewest penalty cards in front of them. In the event of a tie, the title is shared.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Barbecubes
- Is the game suitable for children? From what age? The official recommended age is 8+, but more dexterous children aged 6 and over can also play under supervision. The game is excellent for developing fine motor skills and patience, but please be aware that it contains small parts which pose a choking hazard to younger children.
- How long does a game last? A game is extremely quick and usually lasts between 3 and 15 minutes. This means you can play a whole ‘tournament’ in one evening or use the game as a quick break.
- How many players can take part? The game is designed for 2 to 6 players. It works best with 3–4 players, where the tension is at its peak and the waiting time between turns is minimal.
- Is the game language-dependent? The game is completely language-independent. The cards use only symbols and pictures.
- Does Barbecubes take up a lot of space on the table? No, it’s one of the smallest games on the market. The entire set-up takes up less than 30x30 cm of space, making it ideal for small club tables or even for playing whilst travelling.
Conclusion: Is Barbecubes right for your table?
Barbecubes is the perfect example of a ‘small box with lots of fun’. It’s a game that doesn’t require deep strategic thinking, but rather a steady hand, a touch of tactical mischief and, above all, the ability to laugh at your own mistakes. If you’re looking for a game you can play with anyone who comes round, one that doesn’t take up much space and guarantees instant excitement and laughter, then Barbecubes is a must-have addition to your collection.
Don’t let your next games night go by without the aroma (albeit imaginary) of a barbecue!
