Hol’s der Teufel (1996) Board Game

Hol’s der Teufel, which translates to “Here Comes the Devil,” is a classic card game that was first released in 1996 by Schmidt Spiele. It is a fast-paced and engaging game that is suitable for 3 to 5 players, with a runtime of approximately 20 minutes. The game is designed for players aged 8 and above and falls under the category of card games with a focus on hand management.

Game Components of Hol’s der Teufel

38 cards, including Devil and Angel cards

Chips for players

How To Setup Hol’s der Teufel

The game starts with shuffling the 38 cards and dealing them evenly among the players. Each player receives a total chip value of 20. The starting player begins by playing one of their Devil cards onto the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Each player must play one card per turn. The starting player plays a Devil card in one of the colors visible on the backs of the cards in the hand of the player to their left.

Alternatives for Play:
– Play a Devil card with the same value as a ‘free card’ in a color not yet represented on the table.
– Play a card with a higher value in an already started color row.
– Play a card with a lower value in an already started color row, paying the chip difference to the player to their right.
– Play an Angel card onto the free end of any row without an Angel card.

Objective: The game ends when the dealer plays their last card. The player with the most chips wins.

Player Experience

**Hol’s der Teufel** requires careful planning and strategic card play. Players need to balance the risks and rewards of playing cards to manage their chip count effectively. The game demands attention to the cards in play and the colors visible on other players’ hands, adding a layer of social deduction.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers multiple play options, making each turn a strategic decision.

Simple to Learn: The basic rules are easy to understand, but the game has enough complexity to keep players engaged.

Social Interaction: Players must pay attention to the cards in other players’ hands, enhancing social interaction.

Cons

Luck Element: The initial card distribution can significantly affect gameplay.

Limited Player Count: Suitable for a narrow range of players (3-5), which might limit its appeal for larger or smaller groups.

Personal Thoughts on Hol’s der Teufel

**Hol’s der Teufel** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a social twist. It is particularly suited for small to medium-sized groups looking for a game that combines simple rules with deep strategic play. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking games with a large player capacity or minimal luck involvement.

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