That's Pretty Clever

That's Pretty Clever, originally released in German as "Ganz schön clever" by designer Wolfgang Warsch in 2018, quickly became a modern classic in the roll-and-write genre. Warsch, known for creating elegant games with surprising depth, crafted a deceptively simple mechanic that masks incredible strategic complexity. The game's genius lies in its penalty system: when you claim a die, your opponent benefits from the dice you rejected, creating a constant tension between maximizing your own score and minimizing theirs.

The game exploded in popularity internationally, winning numerous awards including the Kennerspiel des Jahres (Connoisseur Game of the Year) in 2018—one of the gaming world's most prestigious accolades. Its success spawned sequels like Clever and Würfelwelt, proving the core mechanic's enduring appeal. For two-player enthusiasts, That's Pretty Clever became legendary because it transformed a mechanic that could feel like punishment into a masterclass in player interaction. The five color-coded scoring tracks with their unique rules create an intricate puzzle where timing, pattern recognition, and psychological pressure intertwine perfectly.

The game represents a broader renaissance in roll-and-write games, demonstrating that dice-drafting mechanics could deliver competitive, brain-burning gameplay in under 30 minutes. Its influence on modern board game design—particularly in how it balances luck with player agency—remains significant today.