Point Salad (2019) Board Game

Point Salad is a card game that was released in 2019 by designers Molly Johnson, Robert Melvin, and Shawn Stankewich. The game was published by Alderac Entertainment Group and has quickly gained popularity in the board gaming community. Point Salad falls into the category of card games and features mechanics such as open drafting and set collection.

Game Components of Point Salad

108 double-sided cards

1 rulebook

Supports 2-6 players

Ages 14+

Setup Time: 10 minutes

Playing Time: 15-30 minutes.

How To Setup Point Salad

To set up Point Salad, start by shuffling the deck of 108 double-sided cards and creating three even decks. Depending on the number of players, some cards may need to be removed from the game. Flip the top two cards from each deck to reveal the “Veggie” side, forming a column under each deck known as the “veggie market.”.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players take turns drafting cards from the veggie market or point salad decks.

Set Collection: Players collect sets of vegetable cards to score points based on the point salad cards they acquire.

Variable Scoring: Each point salad card has unique scoring conditions, such as scoring points for having the most carrots or losing points for onions and peppers.

Objective: The player with the highest total score at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Point Salad offers a simple yet engaging gameplay experience. Players must strategically choose which vegetable cards to collect and which point salad cards to pursue, all while considering the moves of their opponents. The game’s unique scoring system, where players define the value of each vegetable type through their choices, adds a layer of depth and interaction. Timing is crucial, as players need to balance collecting vegetable cards with acquiring the right point salad cards to maximize their score.

Pros

Simple Rules: Easy to learn and teach, making it a great gateway game.

High Replayability: Over 100 ways to score points ensures each game is unique.

Strategic Depth: Players must make tactical decisions about which cards to collect and when.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide range of ages and experience levels.

Quick Gameplay: Games last between 15-30 minutes, perfect for filler sessions.

Cons

Repetitive: Some players may find the gameplay repetitive after multiple sessions.

Limited Interaction: The game focuses more on individual strategy rather than direct player interaction.

Timing Challenges: Getting the right cards at the right time can be tricky and may frustrate some players.

Personal Thoughts on Point Salad

Point Salad is an excellent choice for those looking for a light, fun, and strategic card game. It is ideal for families, casual gamers, and anyone new to board games due to its simple rules and quick gameplay. While it may not offer the complexity or direct interaction some gamers prefer, it excels in providing a engaging and varied experience that keeps players coming back for more. For fans of set collection and filler games, Point Salad is a must-have addition to their gaming library.

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