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12 Days of Christmas (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

The 12 Days of Christmas Board Game was released in 2015 and is designed by Gord! It is a card game published by Eagle-Gryphon Games. The game is suitable for players aged 8 and above and can accommodate 3 to 8 players.

Game Components of 12 Days of Christmas

  • 80 Gift Cards: Representing the gifts from the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song, plus cards for Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
  • 12 Day Cards: Each valued from 1 to 12 points.
  • 1 Rule Book**.

    How To Setup 12 Days of Christmas

    To set up the game, arrange the Day cards in numerical order, with the first day of Christmas on top. Each player starts with 12 Gift cards in their hand.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Passing: At the beginning of each round, each player passes one card from their hand to the player on their left.
  • Card Play: Players lay one Gift card face down on the table. The lowest valued card wins the Day.
  • Tie Breaker: If two players tie for the lowest valued Gift card, the next lowest value wins.
  • Special Cards: Mr. and Mrs. Claus cards are considered the lowest valued and always win, but the winner must gift the points to another player.
  • Scoring: Each Day card is worth its number in points (e.g., Day 4 is worth 4 points). Players also score points for the Gift cards remaining in their hand.
  • Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the 12 rounds wins.

    Player Experience

    The game is designed to be quick and fun, lasting about 15-20 minutes per playthrough. It involves a moderate amount of strategy, as players need to decide when to play their better cards to win the more valuable days while anticipating their opponents’ moves. The game’s beautiful art and familiar play patterns make it engaging and enjoyable for a wide range of players.

    Pros

  • Quick Playtime: Games last only 15-20 minutes.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.
  • Engaging Art: Beautiful illustrations based on the “Twelve Days of Christmas” theme.
  • Simple to Learn: Easy gameplay mechanics make it accessible to new players.
  • Strategic Depth: Requires strategic thinking to win the most valuable days.

    Cons

  • Limited Complexity: May not appeal to players seeking complex gameplay.
  • Dependence on Luck: Card draws and opponents’ moves introduce an element of luck.
  • Repititive Rounds: The game is played over 12 identical rounds, which might become repetitive for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on 12 Days of Christmas

    **12 Days of Christmas** is an excellent choice for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, quick, and thematic game to enjoy together. It’s particularly suited for the holiday season but can be enjoyed year-round due to its engaging gameplay and beautiful art. However, players seeking more complex or strategic games might find it too simple. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for those who appreciate light-hearted, family-friendly games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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