White Elephant (2011) Board Game

White Elephant is a card game that was released in 2011 by designer Brian Kelley and published by Mayday Games. The game is based on the popular gift exchange game played during the holiday season, where players take turns choosing and exchanging gifts.

Game Components of White Elephant

Deck of 50 gift cards: Divided into five categories (Crazy Neighbor, Mother-in-Law, Fluffy the Cat, Random Stranger, Great Uncle Irwin) with values from 1 to 10.

Goal cards: List three of the five gift categories.

Player tokens or markers: For tracking points and other game elements.

How To Setup White Elephant

To set up the game, each player is dealt a hand of gift cards and a goal card. The goal card lists three of the five gift categories that the player needs to focus on. Players lay a single gift card face down on the table to start the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Collect the highest point-value cards in the categories listed on your goal card.

Gameplay:
– Players take turns either stealing a gift from another player or unwrapping a new gift from the deck.
– The game continues in rounds until all gifts are unwrapped.
– Collected gifts are tallied according to their points.
– The player with the highest point total wins.

Player Experience

Playing White Elephant is a fun and light-hearted experience, especially during holiday gatherings. The game simulates the traditional white elephant gift exchange, where players aim to collect the most valuable gifts in their designated categories. The retro-style gift cards add a humorous touch, making the game enjoyable for families and casual gamers. However, after several plays, the game may lose its novelty since the gifts are just cards and not actual items.

Pros

Unique Gameplay: Simulates the traditional white elephant gift exchange in a card game format.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for family gatherings and casual game nights.

Humorous: Retro-style gift cards add a fun and nostalgic element.

Cons

Lack of Strategy: The game relies heavily on luck rather than strategy.

Repetitive: May lose its appeal after multiple plays due to the static nature of the gift cards.

Personal Thoughts on White Elephant

White Elephant is perfect for those looking for a light, family-friendly card game that captures the spirit of holiday gift exchanges. It’s an excellent addition to any game night or family gathering, especially for those who enjoy humor and simplicity in their games. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking deep strategy or complex gameplay mechanics.

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