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Treachery in a Pocket (2017) Board Game

Treachery in a Pocket is a compact card game designed by Christian Giove and published by Artipia Games in in 2017. Set in the medieval and renaissance era, the game focuses on deceit and strategy as players compete to gain influence and power.

Game Components of Treachery in a Pocket

  • 10 Character cards (8 Nobles, 2 Neutral)
  • 14 Action cards
  • 6 Hidden Agenda cards
  • 5 Victory cards
  • 1 Player Aid card
  • An English rulebook (available online)

    How To Setup Treachery in a Pocket

    To set up the game, players lay out the Nobles in two rows of four cards each, with the two Neutral cards in a separate row between them. These rows represent different levels of power. Each player randomly receives a Hidden Agenda card, which specifies which House they should elevate and which they should bring down. Players also receive one secret Action card, and another Action card is revealed for all to see.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Mechanics:**
    – Area Majority / Influence: Players influence the power positions of nobles.
    – Hand Management: Players manage their Action cards.
    – Take That: Players can negatively affect their opponents’ positions.

  • Game Objective:**
    – Elevate nobles of your allied House to higher power positions.
    – Demote nobles of your enemy House to lower power positions.
    – Score points based on the final positions of the nobles and the status of your Hidden Agenda.

    Player Experience

    Treachery in a Pocket is a quick, 10-20 minute game for 2-4 players aged 10 and above. The game involves strategic card play and maneuvering nobles up and down the power rows. Players must balance their actions to achieve their Hidden Agenda without causing undue harm to their own nobles. The game ends when the deck is reshuffled twice, a second character is killed, or a player cannot perform any action. The player with the most points, earned from successfully positioning their nobles and avoiding their downfall, wins.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** The rules are simple and easy to understand.
  • Quick Gameplay:** Games last under half an hour.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires balanced card management and strategic planning.
  • Replayability:** Multiple Hidden Agendas and random card draws offer varied gameplay experiences.

    Cons

  • Limited Complexity:** The game lacks intense strategy or complex combos.
  • Repetitive:** Can become repetitive if played multiple times in a row.
  • Limited Player Interaction:** There is no diplomacy or direct negotiation between players.

    Personal Thoughts on Treachery in a Pocket

    Treachery in a Pocket is ideal for those looking for a light, quick card game to fill short gaps or as a warm-up for more complex games. It suits players who enjoy hand management and strategic positioning without the need for deeply intricate gameplay. While it may not offer the depth of more elaborate board games, it serves well as a fun, short-term distraction with a hint of medieval intrigue.

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