King’s Court (1983) Board Game

King’s Court is a medieval-themed card game that was released in 1983 by Janjohn Games, Inc. It is designed for 2 to 8 players, with the best gameplay experience being for 4 players. The game has a runtime of around 30 minutes and is recommended for players aged 10 and above. The game is categorized as a card game with a focus on hand management mechanics.

Game Components of King’s Court

Card Decks: Two 54-card decks, making a total of 108 cards when combined.

Card Types: Suit cards and scroll cards, including knights, jesters, fair maidens, drawbridges, and queens’ options.

Kingdom Cards: Various cards with colored backgrounds indicating different actions, such as suit changes or drawing additional cards.

Packaging: Deep burgundy double-deck box with illustrations of the cards on the front.

Rules: A five-sheet accordion fold rules folder and a quick reference card.

How To Setup King’s Court

To set up the game, the dealer distributes seven cards to each player. The top card of the draw pile is then turned over, and the player to the dealer’s left follows the directions on this card. This initiates the gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players must match cards by either suit or number.
– Scroll cards have special actions like reversing direction, skipping players, or forcing players to draw cards.
– Kingdom cards change the suit or impose penalties like drawing extra cards.
– A player must announce “En Garde!” or “On Guard” when they have only one card left; failure to do so results in drawing two penalty cards and losing a turn.

Game Objective: The goal is to be the first player to rid themselves of all their cards. The game continues until one player’s score reaches 500; the player with the lowest score at this point is declared the winner.

Player Experience

**King’s Court** offers a lively and engaging experience, particularly for families and groups of friends. The game is known for its rapid play, with hands lasting between five to eight minutes, although some can be longer. The game’s medieval theme and varied scroll cards add a layer of strategy and excitement, making it a fun and boisterous experience for players aged 8 and up.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The medieval fantasy setting adds a unique and appealing twist.

High Replayability: The variety of scroll and kingdom cards ensures each game is different.

Ease of Learning: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range, making it a great family game.

Affordable: Originally priced at just $5.00.

Cons

Dependence on Chance: The draw of special cards can significantly influence the game, making strategy less predictable.

Penalty for Forgetting “En Garde!”: The penalty for not announcing “En Garde!” can be harsh, adding an element of stress to the game.

Personal Thoughts on King’s Court

**King’s Court** is an excellent choice for families or groups looking for a light-hearted, fun card game with a touch of strategy. Its medieval theme and special action cards make it stand out from other card games like Uno. It is particularly suited for children aged 8 and up due to its simplicity and engaging gameplay. For those who enjoy a mix of luck and strategy in a quick, entertaining game, **King’s Court** is a great addition to any game collection.

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