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The Crow and the Pitcher (2010) Board Game

The Crow and the Pitcher is a card game released in 2010, designed by Phil Kilcrease and Sean MacDonald. It is a trick-taking game that requires strategic thinking and careful planning to outwit your opponents. The game is inspired by the famous Aesop’s fable of the same name, where a clever crow uses creativity to solve a problem.

Game Components of The Crow and the Pitcher

  • Deck of stone cards: Three colored suits numbered 2-10.
  • Deck of thirst cards: Black cards numbered 2-10.
  • Deck of pitcher cards: Values ranging from 6 to 13, with some duplicates.
  • Player cards and scorekeeping mechanism**.

    How To Setup The Crow and the Pitcher

    To set up the game, players first shuffle and deal the stone and thirst cards. Each player receives a hand of cards. A separate deck of pitcher cards is prepared, and one pitcher card is revealed at the start of each trick. The first player leads the first trick with a stone card, and other players must follow suit if possible.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Trick-taking mechanic: Players take turns playing cards to win tricks.
  • Following suit: Players must play a card of the same suit as the lead card if they have it.
  • Thirst cards: If a player cannot follow suit, they can play a thirst card. Thirst cards can lead tricks starting from the next round.
  • Pitcher cards: Each trick involves a revealed pitcher card with a specific value.
    – If the sum of colored cards is less than the pitcher value, the lowest card matching the lead wins.
    – If the sum is equal to or greater than the pitcher value, the highest card matching the lead wins.
    – Winning a trick earns the player all played cards (positive points for colors, negative for thirst) and the pitcher card (worth -5 points).

  • Game objective: The player with the highest score after three rounds wins.

    Player Experience

    The Crow and the Pitcher offers a unique twist on traditional trick-taking games, requiring strategic thinking and clever card play. Players need to balance the risk of playing high-value cards against the need to avoid taking on negative points from thirst cards. The game’s mechanics, inspired by Aesop’s fable of the same name, add a layer of complexity and strategy that keeps players engaged.

    Pros

  • Strategic depth: The game requires careful planning and adaptation.
  • Unique mechanics: The interaction between stone, thirst, and pitcher cards adds a fresh twist to trick-taking.
  • Quick gameplay: The 20-minute playtime makes it an excellent filler game.

    Cons

  • Learning curve: The rules can be somewhat complex for new players.
  • Luck element: The draw of cards and the revealed pitcher values introduce an element of luck.
  • Limited player interaction: Some players might find the interaction limited compared to other card games.

    Personal Thoughts on The Crow and the Pitcher

    The Crow and the Pitcher is ideal for fans of trick-taking games who are looking for something new and challenging. It suits players who enjoy strategic card play and are willing to learn and adapt to the game’s unique mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for very casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a great addition to any card game enthusiast’s collection.

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