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Keep (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Keep is a card game that was released in 2015 and designed by Chris Byer and Oliver Howe. It falls under the categories of card game, economic, fantasy, and medieval themes. The game is best played with 2-5 players and has a relatively short runtime of 10-20 minutes. The game features open drafting and take that mechanics, adding an element of strategy and player interaction.

Game Components of Keep

  • Cards:** Featuring various actions, special abilities, and secret identities.
  • Player Boards:** For tracking progress and secrets.
  • Tokens or Markers:** To indicate player status and actions.

    How To Setup Keep

    To set up Keep, players start by shuffling the deck and dealing a set of cards to each player. Each player selects a secret identity card, which remains hidden throughout the game. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile. Players then take turns drafting cards, using the special abilities and trying to deduce the secret identities of their opponents.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Drafting:** Players pick and pass cards around the table.
  • Special Abilities:** Cards have unique effects that players can use strategically.
  • Secret Identities:** Players have hidden identities that affect gameplay and scoring.
  • Objective:** The goal is to collect the most valuable set of cards while using special abilities to disrupt opponents and protect one’s own secrets.

    Player Experience

    Playing Keep involves a mix of strategic card selection and social deduction. Players need to balance collecting valuable cards with using special abilities to hinder their opponents. The game requires attention to detail and bluffing skills, as players try to figure out each other’s secret identities.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mechanics:** Combines card drafting with special abilities and secret identities.
  • High Replayability:** Different secret identities and card combinations ensure each game is unique.
  • Social Interaction:** Encourages bluffing, deduction, and strategic play.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** May be overwhelming for new players due to multiple mechanics.
  • Luck Factor:** Card draw can significantly influence gameplay.
  • Time Commitment:** Games can be shorter but may require multiple rounds to fully enjoy.

    Personal Thoughts on Keep

    Keep is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a social twist. It is perfect for those who like to balance short-term gains with long-term strategies and are comfortable with a bit of randomness. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a very simple or quick game, as it requires some time to learn and master the various mechanics.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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