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Mandala (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Mandala is a 2019 abstract strategy card game designed by Trevor Benjamin and Brett J. Gilbert. It is published by Lookout Games and features artwork by Klemens Franz. The game is designed for 2 players and has a playtime of around 20 minutes. Mandala has garnered praise for its elegant design and strategic gameplay, making it a popular choice among fans of abstract strategy games.

Game Components of Mandala

  • Linen cloth playmat** divided into two mandalas, each with a Mountain and two Fields.
  • Colored cards** in six different colors.
  • River and Cup** scoring areas for each player.
  • Hand of cards** with a maximum size of eight.

    How To Setup Mandala

    To set up Mandala, unfold the linen cloth playmat and place it on the table. Each player starts with a hand of cards and two cards in their Cup. The playmat is divided into two identical mandalas, each consisting of a Mountain and two Fields, one for each player.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Actions

  • Play a single card to the Mountain: Draw three new cards up to a maximum hand size of eight.
  • Play multiple same-colored cards to your Field: No drawing of new cards.
  • Discard same-colored cards: Draw an equal number of new cards.

    Scoring

  • Complete a Mandala: When all six colors are present in a mandala, the player with the most cards in their Field gets to draft cards from the Mountain first.
  • River and Cup: Cards drafted from the Mountain are added to the River or Cup. Each card in the River is scored based on its position (1-6 points), while cards in the Cup are scored based on the corresponding River position.

    Game Objective

  • The objective is to collect and place cards strategically to score the most points by the end of the game.

    Player Experience

    Mandala offers a blend of simplicity and deep strategic play. Despite its easy-to-learn mechanics, the game requires careful planning and timing to outmaneuver your opponent. Each move can significantly impact the game’s outcome, making it a thrilling duel of strategy and anticipation. The beautiful abstract artwork and the unique linen playmat add to the game’s aesthetic appeal, creating a zen-like experience that can quickly turn competitive.

    Pros

  • Easy to learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.
  • Deep strategy: Requires careful planning and timing.
  • Beautiful components: Linen playmat and abstract artwork enhance the game’s appeal.
  • Competitive but chill gameplay: Balances strategy with a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Family-friendly: Suitable for ages 10 and above.

    Cons

  • Luck of the draw: Can significantly impact player success.
  • Strictly two-player: Limited to two players, which may not appeal to larger groups.

    Personal Thoughts on Mandala

    Mandala is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a strategic yet laid-back two-player game. It is perfect for families, couples, or any duo looking to engage in a game that combines simplicity with depth. The game’s short playtime of approximately 30 minutes makes it ideal for multiple rounds in a single game night. However, those who prefer games with more player interaction or larger player counts might find it less appealing. Overall, Mandala is a beautifully designed game that offers a unique and engaging gaming experience.

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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