Poison (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Poison is a card game designed by Augustinas Raginskis and released in in 2017. It is a trick-taking game that can be played by 2 to 6 players, with a runtime of 20 to 45 minutes. The game is suitable for players aged 12 and above and falls under the category of card games.

Game Components of Poison

Cards: The game includes cards in three suits with values from 1 to 7, and a fourth “joker” suit where all cards have a value of 4.

Playing Area: A central area for discarding cards.

How To Setup Poison

To set up the game, each player receives a hand of cards. The central playing area is prepared for discarding cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Discarding: Players discard a card from their hand onto a pile of the appropriate color. Jokers can be played on any pile.

Sum Calculation: The player calculates the sum of all cards in the pile. If the sum exceeds 13, the player must take all the cards already in the pile.

Round End: The round ends when all cards have been played.

Scoring: Players compare the number of cards they have in each suit. The player with the most cards in a suit throws those cards away, while others score 1 penalty point per card. Jokers are worth 2 penalty points.

Objective: The goal is to have the fewest penalty points after each player has started a round once.

Player Experience

In **Poison**, players engage in a strategic game of avoiding overflowing cauldrons by carefully managing the cards they discard. The game requires attention to the sums of the cards and strategic decision-making to minimize penalty points. It is a simple yet engaging game that can be enjoyed by families and casual gamers.

Pros

Simple to Learn: Easy rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Strategic Depth: Requires strategic thinking to manage card discards effectively.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages, with a recommended age range of 8+.

Short Playtime: Games last approximately 15 minutes.

Cons

Luck Element: The game involves a degree of luck, especially with the draw of cards.

Repetitive Rounds: Some players might find the rounds repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on Poison

**Poison** is an excellent game for families or casual game nights. It is straightforward to learn but offers enough depth to keep players engaged. The game’s short playtime and simple components make it a great addition to any game collection. However, players seeking more complex gameplay or those who dislike luck-based elements might find it less appealing. Overall, **Poison** is a fun and quick game that encourages strategic thinking and social interaction.

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