Gracias (2005) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Gracias is a card game designed by Sebastian Coenen and released in in 2005. It is published by Ravensburger and Rio Grande Games, known for their high-quality board games. The game falls under the categories of Animals and Card Game, with gameplay focused on open drafting and set collection.

Game Components of Gracias

108 playing cards (18 cards each in 6 colors)

2 start player cards

Instructions

Paper and pencil for recording scores.

How To Setup Gracias

To set up Gracias, players need to shuffle the deck of 108 playing cards and deal them evenly among the 3 to 6 players. Each player receives a set of cards, and the remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The game starts with each player drawing a hand of cards. The start player is determined by the start player cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting

Set Collection.

Objective

The objective of Gracias is for players to earn victory points by collecting the most cards in each of the 6 different colors. The game is played over three sessions, each containing four rounds. After each session, players tally and record their victory points. The player with the most victory points at the end of the three sessions wins the game.

Player Experience

Gracias is designed to be a very easy and family-friendly game, suitable for players aged 9 and above. The gameplay is straightforward, with players focusing on collecting sets of cards in different colors. The game lasts about 45 minutes, making it a quick and engaging experience. However, some players might find the game too simplistic or repetitive, especially if they are accustomed to more complex board games.

Pros

Easy to learn and play

Suitable for families and younger players

Quick gameplay sessions

Encourages strategic thinking in set collection

Cons

May be too simple for experienced gamers

Limited complexity and depth

Repetitive gameplay over three sessions

Personal Thoughts on Gracias

Gracias is ideal for families, younger players, or those looking for a light, casual card game. It is not designed for gamers seeking complex strategies or deep gameplay mechanics. If you’re in the mood for something simple and enjoyable that can be played in under an hour, Gracias might be a great addition to your game collection. However, if you prefer games with more depth and complexity, you might find Gracias too bland.

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