Flip 7
Flip 7 is a press-your-luck card game designed by Eric Olsen and published by The Op Games in 2024. This fast-paced party game challenges players to collect numbered cards without drawing duplicates, racing to be the first to reach 200 points.
The game accommodates 3-18 players and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. With its simple rules and tense decision-making, Flip 7 works well for both casual gatherings and dedicated game nights. This review examines the gameplay mechanics, components, and overall experience.
Flip 7 Game Overview
Flip 7 uses a unique pyramid-style deck where card quantity matches card value. The deck contains one 0 card, one 1 card, two 2s, three 3s, continuing up to twelve 12s. This distribution creates increasing risk as you pursue higher-value cards.
Players take turns deciding whether to draw another card or bank their current points. Drawing a duplicate number causes you to bust, losing all points for that round. The tension builds with each card flip as players weigh potential rewards against growing risk.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Eric Olsen |
| Publisher | The Op Games |
| Artist | O’Neil Mabile |
| Year Released | 2024 |
| Players | 3-18 (one deck supports up to 18) |
| Age Range | 8+ |
| Playing Time | 20 minutes |
| Game Type | Press-Your-Luck, Party |
| Complexity Rating | 1.04 out of 5 (Very Light) |
What’s in the Flip 7 Box
The game includes 94 cards divided into three categories. The component quality meets expectations for a card game at this price point, with cards that shuffle easily and hold up through multiple game sessions.
| Component | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Number Cards | 79 cards | One 0, one 1, two 2s, three 3s… twelve 12s |
| Score Modifier Cards | 6 cards | +2, +4, +6, +8, +8, +10, X2 |
| Action Cards | 9 cards | 3 Freeze, 3 Flip Three, 3 Second Chance |
| Rulebook | 1 | Simple one-page reference guide |
The artwork features a clean, minimalist design with clear numbering. Each card displays its value prominently, making it easy to read across the table. The card stock feels durable enough for regular play without requiring sleeves.
Flip 7 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rules explanation takes under two minutes, making it accessible for new players and casual gamers
- Plays quickly with minimal downtime between rounds, maintaining engagement throughout
- Supports large player counts up to 18 with one deck, ideal for parties
- Portable size fits easily in a bag or pocket for travel
- Creates genuine tension and excitement with each card flip
- Action cards add player interaction and tactical depth beyond pure luck
Cons
- Limited strategic depth may not satisfy players seeking complex decisions
- High luck factor means skilled play doesn’t always triumph
- Player elimination within rounds causes some downtime for busted players
- Seven-card bonus proves difficult to achieve consistently
- Lacks thematic integration beyond the push-your-luck mechanism
How to Play Flip 7
Setup takes less than a minute. Shuffle all 94 cards together and choose a dealer. You’ll also need paper and pen to track scores across rounds. The dealer rotates clockwise after each round.
Flip 7 Game Setup
The dealer distributes one card face-up to each player, including themselves. If a player receives an action card during this initial deal, resolve its effect immediately before continuing. Once everyone has at least one card, the round begins.
Flip 7 Turn Structure
Players take turns in clockwise order, choosing to either hit or stay. Hitting means drawing another card from the deck. Staying means banking your current score and exiting the round.
Number cards add to your running total and count toward the seven-card bonus. Modifier cards boost your final score but don’t count toward the seven-card limit. Action cards trigger special effects and also don’t count toward seven cards.
Busting in Flip 7
You bust immediately when you draw a number card matching one already in front of you. When this happens, you score zero points for the round and sit out until the next round begins.
The probability of busting increases as you collect more cards and pursue higher values. A 12 card offers 12 points but twelve copies exist in the deck, making duplicates far more likely than a 1 or 2.
Flip 7 Round End and Scoring
A round ends when all players have either stayed or busted. Alternatively, the round ends immediately if one player collects seven unique number cards.
Players who didn’t bust calculate their scores. First, sum all number cards. If you have an X2 multiplier, double that sum. Then add any plus-value modifier cards. Finally, if you achieved seven unique number cards, add a 15-point bonus.
Winning Flip 7
Continue playing rounds until at least one player reaches or exceeds 200 points. The player with the highest total when the game ends wins. If multiple players tie at 200 or above, play additional rounds until one player emerges as the winner.
Where to Buy Flip 7
Flip 7 is available at major retailers and online marketplaces. The game typically retails between $15-20, making it an affordable addition to any game collection.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Available with Prime shipping |
| Target | In-store and online |
| Walmart | Online and select stores |
| Local Game Stores | Check availability by calling ahead |
| The Op Games Website | Direct from publisher |
Flip 7 Game Mechanics
The core mechanism combines press-your-luck card drawing with risk assessment. Each decision requires evaluating probability based on cards already played and the deck composition.
Action cards introduce player interaction and tactical choices. Freeze forces an opponent to bank immediately, potentially before they’ve accumulated significant points. Flip Three compels a player to draw three cards consecutively, increasing their bust risk dramatically.
Second Chance cards provide insurance against busting once. If you draw a duplicate while holding Second Chance, both the duplicate number card and the Second Chance card get discarded. Your turn ends, but you keep your other cards and don’t bust.
Score modifiers create interesting decisions about when to stay. A hand totaling 15 points becomes worth 40 with a +10 and X2 multiplier. These cards encourage pushing further even when your base score seems modest.
The seven-card bonus adds another layer of risk-reward calculation. Collecting seven unique numbers without busting awards 15 bonus points plus your scored cards. Few players achieve this consistently, making it a high-risk, high-reward goal.
Who Should Play Flip 7
Flip 7 works best for players who enjoy quick, light games with gambling-style decision-making. The game shines at party gatherings where you need something fast to teach and quick to play. Groups comfortable with player elimination and high variance will appreciate the experience.
Families with children aged eight and up find Flip 7 accessible. The simple rules and visible card values help younger players participate meaningfully. The press-your-luck nature teaches basic probability concepts without feeling educational.
The large player count makes it valuable for big gatherings. Unlike many card games for adults that max out at six players, Flip 7 scales to eighteen. This flexibility proves useful when group size varies.
Casual gamers appreciate the low barrier to entry. You can explain the entire game in under two minutes and start playing immediately. The quick rounds mean players can jump in or out between games without disrupting flow.
Experienced gamers might find Flip 7 too light for dedicated game nights. The limited strategic options and high luck factor don’t provide the depth that heavier games offer. However, it works well as a filler or warm-up game.
Skip Flip 7 if your group dislikes player elimination or kingmaking. Busted players sit out the remainder of each round, which can feel frustrating. Action cards allow targeted attacks that might create feel-bad moments in competitive groups.
The game resembles other press-your-luck titles but with unique twists. Players familiar with card-based board games like Blackjack will understand the core concept immediately. The pyramid deck structure and action cards distinguish it from similar designs.
FAQ
Is Flip 7 suitable for beginners?
Yes, Flip 7 is excellent for beginners. The rules take under two minutes to explain, and the gameplay is intuitive. Players simply decide whether to draw another card or bank their points. The age rating of 8+ reflects its accessibility for both children and adults new to modern board games.
How long does a game of Flip 7 take?
Most games finish in approximately 20 minutes. Individual rounds last 3-5 minutes depending on player count and how aggressively players push their luck. The race to 200 points typically requires 4-6 rounds. Games can end faster if players bust frequently or slower if everyone plays conservatively.
What’s the best player count for Flip 7?
Flip 7 works well across its entire range of 3-18 players. Sweet spot sits around 5-8 players, providing good interaction without excessive downtime. Larger groups work fine but increase waiting time between turns. Three players feels functional but loses some of the party atmosphere and action card dynamics.
What games are similar to Flip 7?
Players who enjoy Flip 7 might like other press-your-luck games such as Incan Gold, Deep Sea Adventure, or Port Royal. These games share the core tension of deciding when to push forward versus playing safe. For simpler party games with similar accessibility, check out board games for young adults.
Is Flip 7 worth buying?
Flip 7 offers good value for players seeking a portable, quick party game. The low price point, large player count support, and minimal learning curve make it worthwhile for casual gaming collections. However, serious gamers looking for strategic depth should consider heavier options instead. It excels as a filler or social game rather than a main event.
