A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (2008) Board Game

A Game of Thrones: The Card Game is a living card game based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. It was first released in 2008 by Fantasy Flight Games and has since gained a loyal following among fans of the books and TV show.

Game Components of A Game of Thrones: The Card Game

Cards: 220 cards in the core set, divided into four unique decks for House Stark, House Lannister, and two other playable factions.

Deck Types: Each player uses two decks: a 7-card plot deck and a 60+ card draw deck containing characters, attachments, locations, and events.

Art and Quality: Known for excellent art quality, with cards beautifully illustrating the world of Westeros.

How To Setup A Game of Thrones: The Card Game

To set up the game, each player shuffles their draw deck and draws the top 7 cards, with the option for a mulligan. Players then select up to 5 gold worth of characters, locations, and attachments with the Setup keyword from their hand and place these cards face-down. Once all cards are revealed, players draw cards again until they each have 7 cards in their hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Challenge Types: Players engage in three types of challenges: military, intrigue, and power.

Plot and Draw Decks: Players use their plot deck to hatch new plots and their draw deck to play characters, attachments, locations, and events.

Power Tokens: The objective is to earn 15 power tokens, which can be achieved by winning challenges or through other card effects.

Deck Restrictions: Typically, players can have three copies of any particular card in their draw deck and only one copy in their plot deck.

Player Experience

The game offers a rich and competitive experience, especially for fans of the *A Song of Ice and Fire* series. Players appreciate the simplicity of the gameplay combined with the depth of strategic play. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, making it appealing to both new and experienced card game enthusiasts.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Simple to learn, yet deep in strategy and complexity.

Excellent Art: Beautifully illustrated cards that bring the world of Westeros to life.

Competitive: Great for competitive card game lovers, with regular new card releases.

Variety: Different factions play uniquely, preventing the game from becoming stale.

Cons

Complex Rules: Some players find the instructions and rules overly complicated and unclear.

Not for Casual Players: Too complex for a casual, party-game experience.

Personal Thoughts on A Game of Thrones: The Card Game

This game is ideal for fans of *A Song of Ice and Fire* and those who enjoy competitive card games like *Magic: The Gathering* or *Netrunner*. It offers a deep and strategic gameplay experience that rewards skill and strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers looking for a light, fun experience. If you’re into card games and the lore of Westeros, this is definitely worth a try.

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