12 Days (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

12 Days is a card game that was released in 2011 by Calliope Games. The game is designed by James Ernest and Mike Selinker, with art by Echo Chernik. It falls into the categories of Card Game and Print & Play, and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game features an auction/bidding and set collection mechanism, and typically takes around 15 minutes to play.

Game Components of 12 Days

A deck of cards featuring numbers 1 through 12, with each number appearing a corresponding number of times (e.g., one 1, two 2s, etc.)

Special cards like Santa and Mrs. Claus

Scorekeeping mechanism

How To Setup 12 Days

To set up 12 Days, shuffle the deck and deal out a starting hand to each player. The exact number of cards in the starting hand is not specified, but the game begins with each player having a few cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gift A Card: Each player gifts a card to the player on their left at the start of each round.

Play A Card: Players simultaneously play a card to try and win the day by playing the lowest valued card.

Draw A Card: After playing a card, each player draws a new card from the deck.

Winning the Day: The player who plays the lowest card wins the day, unless there is a tie, in which case the tied cards cancel each other out, and the next lowest card wins.

End of Game Scoring: Points are scored from the Holiday Cards collected during the game and from the cards left in each player’s hand. The player with the most cards of a particular number scores bonus points.

Player Experience

Playing 12 Days involves a mix of strategy and luck. Players must balance trying to win days by playing the lowest card with collecting cards that will give them bonus points at the end of the game. The simultaneous actions and the cancellation of tied cards add a layer of unpredictability and social interaction, as players need to read each other’s moves to succeed.

Pros

Quick and Easy to Play: The game is designed for rapid gameplay, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Unique Mechanics: The combination of passing cards, canceling ties, and scoring for majorities in hand adds interesting decisions and depth.

Christmas Theme: The game integrates its Christmas theme well, making it a festive addition to holiday gatherings.

Cons

Luck-Driven: The game relies heavily on luck, which can be frustrating for some players.

Limited Replay Value: The game’s appeal may be limited outside of the Christmas season.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Cards: These special cards are often felt to be somewhat pointless.

Personal Thoughts on 12 Days

12 Days is ideal for those looking for a light, festive game to enjoy during the holiday season. It’s a great option for families or casual gamers who want a game that is easy to learn and play but still offers some strategic depth. However, players seeking a game with more complex mechanics or those who prefer games with less luck may find 12 Days less appealing.

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