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Carnival (2011) Board Game

ByMichail

Carnival is a card game released in 2011, designed by Christopher Kirkman and illustrated by Dice Hate Me Games. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 13 and up. It falls under the categories of card game and dice game, utilizing mechanics such as dice rolling, hand management, set collection, and variable player powers.

Game Components of Carnival

  • Deck of cards: 86 cards including four types of ride parts (seats, lights, materials, and banners) and 6 Wild cards.
  • Dice: 3 dice used for determining player actions.
  • Tickets: 3 tickets per player, which can be used to modify dice rolls, reroll dice, or block other players’ actions.
  • Player aid cards** and **center board** for tracking game progress.
  • Special power cards: Optional Wild cards with unique abilities, such as the Man-Eating Chicken or Twist Tina.

    How To Setup Carnival

    To set up Carnival, each player starts by drawing a hand of six cards. The remaining cards are placed in a draw deck, and the discard pile is initiated. Each player receives three tickets. The game area is set up with the center board and player aid cards. Players then discard down to six cards in their hand, and the game is ready to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Collection: Players collect sets of four cards of each of the five available rides (suits).
  • Dice Actions: Players roll three dice and choose two of the dice-activated actions: draw from the deck, draw from the discard pile, steal a random card from another player, or take a card from another player’s tableau.
  • Tableau Building: Players build their Midway by placing cards into sets.
  • Ticket Usage: Tickets can add or subtract a pip from one of the dice, reroll all three dice, or block another player’s action.
  • Objective: The game ends when a player completes four of the five possible sets, at which point they are declared the winner.

    Player Experience

    Playing Carnival involves a mix of strategic planning and tactical adjustments. Players must balance their need to collect specific cards with the unpredictability of the dice rolls and the actions of their opponents. The game features a unique blend of luck and strategy, making it engaging but also somewhat unpredictable. The thematic elements, such as the carnival setting and the art design, add to the game’s charm.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme: The carnival theme is well-integrated and visually appealing.
  • Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers opportunities for clever plays and tactical decisions.
  • Interactive: Players frequently interact with each other through dice actions and card stealing.
  • Quick Games: Games are relatively short, making it a good fit for a casual gaming session.

    Cons

  • Low Control: The game’s reliance on dice rolls can make player actions feel somewhat random and out of control.
  • Graphic Design Issues: Some players find the card design, particularly the identification of ride parts, to be less than clear.
  • Limited Wild Cards: The availability of Wild cards is limited, which can restrict players’ ability to manage their hand effectively.

    Personal Thoughts on Carnival

    Carnival is ideal for players who enjoy light to medium-weight games with a mix of luck and strategy. It is particularly suited for families or casual gaming groups looking for a game that is easy to learn but still offers some depth. However, serious gamers might find the lack of control over dice rolls and the limited number of Wild cards to be frustrating. Overall, Carnival is a fun and visually appealing game that is perfect for those who enjoy set collection and rummy mechanics with a touch of luck and social interaction.

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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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