LeCardo (1998) Board Game – Board Game Guys

LeCardo is a card game released in 1998, designed by Hugh Marshall and Priscilla McIntosh. It falls under the categories of Card Game, Educational, and Word Game. The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above.

Game Components of LeCardo

Deck of cards with different words on each card

Each player starts with a hand of seven cards

No additional components mentioned beyond the card deck

How To Setup LeCardo

To set up LeCardo, each player is dealt a hand of seven cards. The remaining cards are placed within reach of all players to form a draw pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Placement: Players place a card from their hand next to existing cards in play to form compound words or phrases.

Scoring: Scores are determined by the sum of the words created by the placed cards.

Drawing Cards: After placing a card, a player draws a replacement card to maintain a hand of seven cards.

Game End: The game ends when one player has played out their entire hand or no player can make a valid play.

Mechanics: Includes Team-Based Game and Tile Placement mechanics, though the team aspect is not heavily emphasized in most descriptions.

Objective: The objective is to maximize scores by creating valid compound words or phrases while minimizing the cards left in your hand.

Player Experience

Playing LeCardo involves strategic thinking and creativity in forming words. Players need to think several moves ahead to both maximize their scores and frustrate their opponents. The game can be played in a straightforward manner by focusing on common phrases, or it can take on a more humorous and negotiation-based approach where players argue for the validity of less common phrases.

Pros

Portability: The game comes in a compact box, making it easy to take and play anywhere.

Creativity: Encourages creative thinking in forming compound words and phrases.

Social Interaction: The negotiation aspect can add a fun and interactive element to the game.

Educational: Helps improve vocabulary and word recognition skills.

Cons

Limited Replay Value: Some players find the game not exciting enough to play frequently.

Subjective Scoring: The need for all players to agree on the validity of phrases can lead to disputes.

Simple Strategy: The gameplay might not be complex enough for players seeking a more challenging strategy game.

Personal Thoughts on LeCardo

LeCardo is ideal for those who enjoy word games and are looking for a casual, portable game to play with friends or family. It is particularly suited for children aged 8 and above due to its educational benefits and simplicity. However, for players seeking a more complex strategy or a game with high replay value, LeCardo might fall short. Despite this, it can still provide an entertaining and thought-provoking experience, especially when played with a humorous and creative approach.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.