59 Seconds (2007) Board Game

59 Seconds’ is a fast-paced board game designed by The Haywire Group and released in in 2007. The game is designed for two players and is suitable for ages 8 and up. The game aims to test players’ quick thinking and decision-making skills within a short 10-minute time frame.

Game Components of 59 Seconds

56 Lightning Fast Cards

59-Second Sand Timer

No scorekeeping materials included (players must supply a piece of paper and a pencil).

How To Setup 59 Seconds

To set up the game, players randomly draw a card to determine the dealer; the player with the higher card deals. The deck is shuffled, and four piles are created face down: two refresh piles with five cards each and two action piles with one card each. The remaining cards are equally split between the two players to form their draw piles. Each player takes the top five cards from their draw pile to form their hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Speed-Based Gameplay: Players simultaneously flip over the cards in the action piles when the timer starts.

Card Play: Players can play cards from their hand that are either one higher or one lower than the top card in either action pile. Wilds can be played as any number.

Card Drawing: Players draw a new card from their draw pile whenever they play a card.

Refresh Piles: When no more cards can be played, the top card from each refresh pile is placed on top of the adjacent action pile.

Winning a Round: The round ends when one player plays their last card. If this happens within 59 seconds, the player earns 10 points; otherwise, they earn 5 points.

Game Objective: The first player to reach 50 points wins the game.

Player Experience

**59 Seconds** is a quick and intense game that challenges players to think and act fast. Each round is short, lasting around one to three minutes, but the entire game can take 15-20 minutes to play to 50 points. The game requires a mix of skill and luck, as players must make rapid decisions to outmaneuver their opponent. Despite its simplicity, the game is fun for family game nights or as a travel-sized entertainment.

Pros

Fast-Paced: Rounds are quick, making the game engaging and dynamic.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

Portable: The game is compact and easy to carry.

Interactive: Encourages simultaneous play, adding to the excitement.

Cons

Limited Players: Only supports two players.

Luck vs Skill: The game relies heavily on both luck and skill, which may not appeal to everyone.

Mechanic Limitations: The 59-second timer rarely impacts the game as it is challenging to finish within the time limit.

Personal Thoughts on 59 Seconds

**59 Seconds** is ideal for those who enjoy speed and competitive card games. It’s a great option for families with older children or for couples looking for a quick, fun game to play together. While it may not offer a lot of originality in its gameplay mechanics, it is a solid addition to any collection of fast-paced card games.

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