Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Original Edition: The Game That Started It All
The original Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza was created by Dave Campbell and published by Dolphin Hat Games in 2017. It started as a self-published game in 2015 and grew into one of the most popular party card games in the world.
Quick Facts: Original Edition
| Creator | Dave Campbell |
| Publisher | Dolphin Hat Games |
| Published | 2017 (self-published 2015) |
| Players | 2-8 players |
| Deck Size | 64 cards |
| Play Time | 10-30 minutes |
| Ages | 8 and up |
| Word Sequence | Taco - Cat - Goat - Cheese - Pizza |
The History of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza has an interesting origin story that spans from a homemade card game to a worldwide phenomenon:
2015: Self-Published Origins
Dave Campbell created the game and self-published it in 2015. The game was initially sold at local game stores and through word of mouth. The simple concept - say a word, flip a card, slap when they match - proved immediately popular.
2017: Dolphin Hat Games Partnership
Dolphin Hat Games picked up the game and published it commercially in 2017. The professional publication brought wider distribution, improved card quality, and the distinctive artwork that defines the original edition.
2018-Present: Explosive Growth
The game became a viral sensation, particularly on social media. Numerous themed editions followed, including Boomerang, Cinco de Mayo, and many others. The original edition remains the most popular and widely available version.
What Is in the Original Edition Box
The original edition contains everything you need to play:
64 Cards Total
The deck is divided as follows:
- Taco cards
- Cat cards
- Goat cards
- Cheese cards
- Pizza cards
- Gorilla special action cards
- Groundhog special action cards
- Narwhal special action cards
The Artwork
The original edition features the distinctive colorful cartoon artwork that has become iconic. Each card type has a unique, memorable illustration that makes the game instantly recognizable. The artwork is designed to be quickly identifiable during fast-paced play.
Complete Rules for the Original Edition
The original edition uses the same rules that all editions are based on:
The Word Sequence
Players take turns flipping cards and saying the next word in the sequence:
When the spoken word matches the card image, everyone slaps. Last to slap takes the pile.
Gorilla Card
Thump both fists on your chest. Last player takes the pile.
Groundhog Card
Knock twice on the table. Last player takes the pile.
Narwhal Card
Point both index fingers above your head. Last player takes the pile.
Player Count and Card Distribution
The original edition supports 2-8 players. Here is how the 64 cards are distributed:
| Players | Cards Each | Leftover Cards |
|---|---|---|
| 2 players | 32 cards | 0 (perfect split) |
| 3 players | 21 cards | 1 card set aside |
| 4 players | 16 cards | 0 (perfect split) |
| 5 players | 12 cards | 4 cards set aside |
| 6 players | 10 cards | 4 cards set aside |
| 7 players | 9 cards | 1 card set aside |
| 8 players | 8 cards | 0 (perfect split) |
Original Edition vs. Other Editions
The original edition has spawned many themed versions. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Original Edition | Themed Editions |
|---|---|---|
| Core Rules | Taco-Cat-Goat-Cheese-Pizza sequence | Same core rules |
| Special Cards | Gorilla, Groundhog, Narwhal | Varies by edition |
| Deck Size | 64 cards | Usually 64 cards |
| Artwork | Classic cartoon style | Theme-specific artwork |
| Availability | Widely available | Varies |
Why the Original Edition Remains the Best
Iconic Artwork
The original artwork is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with the game. The colorful, cartoonish style is perfectly suited to the fast-paced, silly nature of the gameplay.
Perfect Balance
The original three special cards (Gorilla, Groundhog, Narwhal) are perfectly balanced. Each requires a distinct physical action that is easy to learn but hard to execute under pressure.
Universal Appeal
The original edition works for all ages and groups. The themed editions are fun, but the original has the broadest appeal because it does not require familiarity with a specific theme.
The Classic Experience
If you want to introduce someone to Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza for the first time, the original edition is the right choice. It is the version that defined the game and set the standard for all editions that followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza?
What is the difference between the original and other editions?
How many cards are in the original edition?
Is the original edition still available to buy?
The Original. The Classic. The Best.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza started with a simple idea: say a word, flip a card, slap when they match. The sequence Taco - Cat - Goat - Cheese - Pizza has brought laughter to millions of players worldwide.
