As both the title of the game and this post might imply, this new arrival to our collection is a fast-moving rush of a game. A different take on the typical worker-placement game, this cooperative game really makes you feel like you’re working in a busy fast-paced kitchen, and it is one I personally will want to be bringing to the table more often.

In this game chefs work together to complete objectives in one of four difficulties (easy, normal, hard, or very hard). The team must complete a certain number of recipes, earn a certain amount of money (after paying 3 coins/worker for wages), and earn a certain number of prestige points.

Unlike other worker placements, your workers in Kitchen Rush are timers, and you can not move a worker until the time runs out. Each player has 2 (plus there is 1 universal helper to use) and they last about 30 seconds each. In rounds lasting about 4 minutes each, and a limited number of spaces available, it definitely makes for a tight game.

Tensions can definitely run rampant trying to get ingredients bought and collected and cook dishes enough to serve, but that’s what makes the theme so perfect; it really makes you feel like you have customers waiting that need their perfect meal served! There is always a lot to do, and it is definitely difficult (case in point – our first game, we ended with zero money), but as far as co-op games go, it does the genre well and is a lot of fun – once you get the hang of it.

I’ve played the game a few times now (and really enjoy it) and I have a few tips:

  • Plan Ahead – Setting out a game plan before each round is essential to getting everything done that you need to do. But, this probably goes without saying, don’t try to plan every tiny detail out because that basically sucks all the fun out of it.
  • Communication is Key – Don’t try to handle everything yourself during the rounds. Ask for help, say what ingredients you need, and when possible utilize the extra helper timer (and let others know when they can use it). It’s important to keep each other informed so that youaren’t wasting time.
  • Maximize Your Time – Speaking of not wasting time… here we are. Memorize where all your items are on the board/table, flip your timers as soon as you can, and don’t waste actions doing something someone just did (i.e. shopping for ingredients). Keeping all this in mind will definitely help you accomplish your goals.

Happy gaming everyone!
Learn more about the game on BGG: Kitchen Rush

*This is not a paid/compensated promotion*

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