Forage: A 9 card solitaire game (2022) Board Game

Forage: A 9 card solitaire game is a print-and-play abstract strategy card game designed by Mark Tuck. It was released in 2022 and is intended for 1 player, making it a perfect game for solo play. The game involves melding and splaying cards, pattern building, and tile placement mechanics, offering a challenging and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Forage: A 9 card solitaire game

9 cards

Dice with faces showing 1, 3, 6, 10 pips, and a -2 face with a mouse symbol

Wooden mouse figure

Objective cards

How To Setup Forage: A 9 card solitaire game

Setting up **Forage** is swift and simple. Players start by drawing 9 cards, which will form the tableau. The game includes objective cards that can be used to set a minimum score requirement and provide special scoring opportunities. The dice and wooden mouse figure are also prepared for use during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Placement: Players build a tableau by overlapping cards to match food symbols (blackberries, mushrooms, and chestnuts).

Dice Placement: Dice are placed on matching areas to score points.

Split Spaces: Cards have split spaces that count as two types of land, offering more strategic options.

Mismatch Penalties: Using dice with a -2 face or overlapping mismatched spaces incurs penalties.

Objective Variant: Players can choose to use objective cards to set a minimum score and gain special scoring opportunities.

Game Objective: The goal is to collect victory points by overlapping matching spaces and managing penalties effectively.

Player Experience

**Forage** offers a delightful and challenging solo experience. The game is designed to be played in 5-10 minutes, making it an excellent travel companion. Players appreciate the simplicity and strategic depth, with new mechanisms like split spaces and the ability to overlap mismatched areas adding complexity without overwhelming the player. The game requires strategic thinking, especially in managing dice and mismatch penalties.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games last only 5-10 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Simple yet challenging mechanics.

Portable: Perfect for travel due to its small size.

Innovative Mechanics: Split spaces and mismatch penalties add new layers of strategy.

Clear Rules: Easy to learn, even for those new to solo games.

Cons

Penalty Management: Mismatch penalties can be punitive, requiring careful planning.

Limited Replayability: While the game is enjoyable, the small number of cards can limit long-term replayability.

Personal Thoughts on Forage: A 9 card solitaire game

**Forage** is ideal for players seeking a quick, engaging, and strategic solo experience. It is particularly suited for adults who enjoy puzzle-like games and are looking for something to play during short breaks. The game’s portability and ease of setup make it a great addition to any gamer’s travel kit. If you’ve enjoyed **Orchard** and **Grove**, you’ll find **Forage** to be a satisfying conclusion to the series, offering a fresh yet familiar experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.