%2Fpic6477003.png&w=3840&q=75)
About Spot it!
Spot it!, sold as Dobble in the UK and much of Europe, is a tin of round cards covered in symbols. Any two cards share exactly one symbol, and the whole game is being first to find it and say it. The tin holds several quick mini-games that all use that one idea. It takes seconds to explain, works across every age at the table, and is the kind of game that comes out at the end of the night or on holiday.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Is Spot it! Right for You?
Best for
Spot it! (Dobble in the UK) is for anyone, from young children to grandparents, which makes it one of the best games for mixed-age gatherings. It is quick to set up, takes seconds to explain and works anywhere you can lay down a few cards. It plays well from two to eight, though it is sharpest with four or five, where everyone can reach and see the middle.
Maybe skip it if…
Players who want strategy or decisions will find nothing here: it is pure speed. Some adults find it repetitive after a few rounds.
How to Play Spot it!
Setup
For The Tower, deal one card face down to each player and place the rest face up in a pile in the middle.
On Your Turn
- Everyone turns over their card at the same time.
- Look for the one symbol your card shares with the top card of the middle pile.
- The first player to name it takes the middle card and places it face up on their own card.
- Your new top card is the one you match next; keep going until the pile runs out.
How to Win
In The Tower, the player with the most cards when the middle pile is empty wins. Each mini-game has its own simple goal.
💡 Strategy Tips
Symbols appear at different sizes on different cards. Do not look for a shape at one size; scan for colour and outline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Searching for a symbol at one size. The same symbol appears at very different sizes on different cards.
- Playing only one mini-game. The tin includes several, and switching between them keeps things fresh.
- Letting the fastest player run away with it every time. Handicaps for confident players keep younger ones involved.
- Arguing over who said it first. Agree a rule before you begin, such as the first to touch the card as well.
Advanced Strategy
- Scan for colour first. A bright symbol on your card is easy to find on the other.
- Focus on your own card, not the middle. Learn your card's symbols, then look for them.
- Say the symbol clearly. Agree names for the less obvious symbols before you play.
- Rotate mini-games. Each one rewards slightly different skills.
Variants & House Rules
The Tower, The Well, Hot Potato and more
The standard tin includes several mini-games using the same deck, each with its own simple goal.
Themed editions
Spot it! comes in many themed versions, including junior editions with simpler cards for younger children.
House rule: handicaps
Make older or quicker players match two cards before they can claim one. It levels the field with children.
Video Guides
Loading videos…
Our Verdict
Spot it! is a brilliantly simple idea, and its small tin earns its place on any shelf. It is rated modestly by hobby players because it is not deep, but for families and quick filler moments it is hard to beat. We recommend it for any group with children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spot it! the same as Dobble?
Yes. It is the same game sold under different names in different countries.
How do all the cards share one symbol?
The deck is built on a mathematical pattern so any two cards share exactly one symbol.
Is it good for large groups?
It works up to eight. Beyond that, it is harder for everyone to see the middle card.