Dogs With Jobs
- Designer John Gordon
- Publisher Lab 380
- Illustration Jonathan Wesslund
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What to Expect
You recruit teams of dogs, fulfill jobs and score points within a limited ‘‘day’’ as described by the publisher. The game mixes open drafting, hand management and push-your-luck elements; missed jobs can cost you points. With about 30 minutes per game it aims for quick, replayable sessions and variable outcomes.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for families and casual gamers (ages 7+) for 2–5 players. Its short duration makes it suitable as a filler or gateway title; prior experience with drafting or hand-management helps but is not required.
How It Works
Players use open drafting each round to take cards, manage a hand and play multi-use cards to complete jobs. Hidden Victory Points and Victory Points as a Resource create tension between scoring and spending. Take-That interactions and Push Your Luck moments add player interaction, while Variable Player Powers change starting conditions or abilities.
What Makes It Special
Designed by John Gordon and published by Lab 380 in 2025. The game combines Open Drafting, Hidden Victory Points and Multi-Use Cards in compact sessions and sits in the 'Animals: Dogs' family.
Pro
- Short plays (~30 minutes) suitable for quick sessions
- Blend of Open Drafting, Hand Management and Multi-Use Cards
- Variable Player Powers increase replayability
- Accessible age rating (7+) — family-friendly
Contra
- Take-That elements can cause friction in casual groups
- Not aimed at long, deep strategic planning
- Player count limited to 2–5
Setting & atmosphere
The theme focuses on city-based recruitment of working dogs and fulfilling civic jobs, as stated by the publisher. The game centers on team-building and task fulfillment.
Tips for beginners
Focus on building simple synergies in your hand and use multi-use cards flexibly; be cautious with Push-Your-Luck gambits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. The game is specified for 2–5 players; a solo mode is not listed.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 30 minutes, making it a short, replayable game.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with drafting and hand-management helps, but the publisher describes the game as easy to learn.
How does this compare to similar games?
Dogs With Jobs pairs open drafting with Hidden Victory Points and Push-Your-Luck in a more compact session than many draft-heavy games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes. The minimum age is 7 and the short playtime makes it family-appropriate.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Open Drafting, Multi-Use Cards and Hidden Victory Points defines its core appeal.
Fazit
A good pick for families and casual groups who want fast drafting and hand-management gameplay. Not intended as a deep, long-form strategic title.
