3UP 3DOWN (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

3UP 3DOWN is a card game that was released in in 2016. It is designed for 2-6 players, with the best player count being 1-2. The game falls under the categories of Card Game, Children’s Game, and Party Game, and features mechanics such as Hand Management, Push Your Luck, and Take That.

Game Components of 3UP 3DOWN

84 custom cards

Simplified rule pamphlet

Optional: Braille version available for accessibility.

How To Setup 3UP 3DOWN

To set up 3UP 3DOWN, shuffle the entire deck and deal three cards face-down to each player, known as the 3DOWN cards. These cards are placed in a row in front of each player and remain face-down. Next, deal six more cards to each player, from which they choose three to place face-up on top of their 3DOWN cards, known as the 3UP cards. The remaining three cards form each player’s hand. The rest of the cards are placed face-down in the middle of the table to create the draw pile. The top card of the draw pile is turned over to start the discard pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

Be the first player to get rid of all your cards, including the 3UP and 3DOWN cards.

Gameplay Mechanics

Card Play: Players must play a card that is equal to or higher in value than the top card on the discard pile.

Discard Pile: If a player cannot play a card, they must pick up the entire discard pile and add it to their hand.

Drawing: Players draw cards to maintain a hand of three cards unless the draw pile is empty.

Special Cards: “Clear” cards can be played to clear the discard pile. If three or more cards of the same number are played consecutively, the discard pile is also cleared.

3UP and 3DOWN Cards: Players can start playing their 3UP cards once their hand is empty, followed by their 3DOWN cards, which are played blindly one at a time.

Player Experience

3UP 3DOWN is a fast-paced and easy-to-learn game that combines elements of strategy, memory, and luck. The game is simple enough to be taught within a few minutes, making it accessible to a wide range of players. However, the game’s outcome is heavily influenced by the luck of the draw, particularly the initial six cards dealt to each player. This can lead to situations where some players have a significant advantage or disadvantage based on their starting cards.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 7 and up.

Fast Gameplay: Games typically last around 10-15 minutes.

Accessible: Available in Braille version for visually impaired players.

Cons

High Luck Factor: The game’s outcome is heavily dependent on the cards drawn.

Limited Strategy: The game does not require deep strategic thinking.

Repititive Gameplay: Some players may find the gameplay repetitive and less engaging over time.

Personal Thoughts on 3UP 3DOWN

3UP 3DOWN is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a quick, fun, and easy-to-play card game. It is not suited for players seeking complex strategies or deep gameplay mechanics. The game’s simplicity and reliance on luck make it a great introduction to card games for children, but it may not hold long-term interest for experienced gamers. Overall, it is a good addition to a game collection for those who enjoy light, family-friendly entertainment.

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