*As a note, the article below was written by the project’s creator. The article has been reviewed by TTRPGkids before posting to the site. 

Catch or Snap is a fishing mini-game designed to work with any TTRPG system. Its simple rules, quick playtime, and flexibility make it a family-friendly game for players ages 9 and up 

Its print-and-play format also makes it easy to bring to the table. Once printed, the only additional components you’ll need are 6 six-sided dice. You can also play it as a standalone game, making it a great option for family game night, a trip, or a quick game after a session 

Fishing can be woven into a campaign in all kinds of ways. Characters might fish for fun, compete in a tournament, explore unusual fishing spots, or rely on fishing during a survival challenge. 

How to play Catch or Snap 

Catch or Snap is a push-your-luck dice game. On your turn, you can roll up to six dice, one at a time. Each die result adds to your score, so the more dice you roll, the more points you can potentially earn. But be warned, after every roll, you’ll need to check whether your line snaps. If any two dice show the same number, your line snaps immediately, your turn ends, and you score zero points for that turn. Every roll becomes a choice: stop and keep the points you’ve earned, or keep rolling for a higher score and risk losing everything.

The core rules of Catch or Snap are fun and approachable for players of all ages. Building on that simple foundation, the game also includes ability sheets, fishing waters, and scenarios that the GM can introduce depending on how much complexity they want to add. 

Abilities and Progression 

The biggest element that adds variety to Catch or Snap is its fishing abilities. These provide beneficial effects on certain die results, and deciding when to use them becomes an important part of the game’s strategy. A well-timed ability could save you from a snap or even double your score! 

Each player has an ability sheet filled with new options to unlock over time. In a standalone game, players gain a new ability every few rounds, creating a natural sense of progression. 

Within a roleplaying campaign, these abilities can also become a new type of reward for the GM to use. Unlocks might be tied to character progression, completed quests, purchases in towns, or other milestones in the adventure. This allows fishing to grow alongside the characters rather than remaining a one-time activity. 

Fishing in YOUR World 

As a GM, you can customize how Catch or Snap fits into your campaign through scenarios and fishing waters. 

Scenarios introduce special rules based on why your players are fishing. The stakes and constraints can change depending on whether the characters are fishing for fun, competing in a tournament, or trying to catch enough food to survive. 

Location matters too. A pond, lake, river, or city canal can each come with its own rules and challenges, helping different fishing spots feel distinct. Each fishing water also contains a unique magical fish that is especially difficult to catch. If eaten, these rare fish can grant a magical boon, giving players another reason to seek them out. 

Discovering and cataloguing these magical fish could even become an adventure of its own!

Players: Any number of players 

Recommended age: 9+

Compatibility: Designed to work with any TTRPG system or as a standalone game.

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