Ettana: The Looms of Kanchi (2021) Board Game

Ettana: The Looms of Kanchi is a board game designed by Darshini Sundar and published in in 2021. The game is set in the ancient city of Kanchipuram, known for its silk weaving traditions. Players take on the roles of master weavers competing to create the most exquisite silk sarees.

Game Components of Ettana: The Looms of Kanchi

Game Board: A 5×5 grid

Yarn Discs: 25 yarn discs (five of each in five colors)

Number Tiles: 18 number tiles (three each of the numbers 1-6)

Action Cards: Illustrated with ‘Mudras’ or hand gestures from Bharathanatyam

Design Cards: Inspired by Jacquard cards

Tokens: For tracking points and actions

Dice: A color die and a number die

Pawn: For each player

Push-out Cardboard Coins: For scoring

How To Setup Ettana: The Looms of Kanchi

To set up the game, place one yarn disc on each space of the 5×5 game board. Then, place 16 of the 18 number tiles at the intersections of the spaces, and reserve the remaining two number tiles along with one yarn disc of each color. Each player receives a random action card, a random design card, and two tokens. Players place their pawns on one of the number tiles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll Dice: Players roll a color die and a number die.

Color Die: If a player’s pawn is on a space matching the rolled color, they receive a token.

Black Die: The player takes an action card, and no other players receive anything.

Move Pawn: Move the pawn based on the number rolled.

Swap Yarns: Swap two adjacent yarns.

Play Action Cards: Use action cards to move, swap yarns, gain tokens, or replace yarns or number tiles.

Complete Designs: Match the yarn pattern on the board to a design card to score points (Annas).

Objective: Be the first player to achieve 8 Annas (victory points).

Player Experience

In Ettana: The Looms of Kanchi, players take on the roles of weavers, aiming to recreate intricate patterns inspired by Indian handlooms. The game combines strategy, luck, and a touch of cultural richness, making it engaging and educational. Players must balance their moves carefully, utilizing action cards and tokens to achieve their goals.

Pros

Cultural Significance: The game is rich in cultural elements, drawing inspiration from Indian handlooms and temple sculptures.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of dice rolling, action cards, and strategic yarn swapping keeps the game exciting.

Visually Appealing: The game components are meticulously illustrated, adding to the game’s aesthetic appeal.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game may require a few rounds to fully understand the mechanics and strategies.

Luck Factor: The roll of the dice can introduce unpredictability, which might not appeal to all players.

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for 2-4 players, which might be a limitation for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Ettana: The Looms of Kanchi

Ettana: The Looms of Kanchi is a delightful game that is perfect for families, casual gamers, and those interested in cultural-themed games. It offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, making each game session different and challenging. While it may not be ideal for large groups or those seeking highly complex gameplay, it is an excellent addition to any board game collection for its unique theme and engaging mechanics.

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