TEN (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

TEN is a card game that was released in 2021 by Alderac Entertainment Group. Designed by Molly Johnson, Robert Melvin, and Shawn Stankewich, this game is suitable for 1-5 players aged 10 and above. With a runtime of 15-30 minutes, TEN features auction, bidding, push your luck, and set collection mechanics.

Game Components of TEN

Number cards: 1-9 in four colors (blue, green, pink, or orange)

Wild cards:
– Wild number with a fixed color
– Wild color with a fixed number
– Wild color & number (the rarest type)

Currency cards: each showing 1 to 5 black dots, used for bidding and purchasing cards

Bust tokens: white tokens valued at 3 currency tokens

How To Setup TEN

To set up TEN, shuffle the deck and distribute five currency tokens to each player. Each player also receives a reference card, though this is not strictly necessary. The first player is determined, and the game begins with the draw deck in front of them. The first player flips over the top card from the deck, placing it face up for all to see.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Press Your Luck: Players flip over cards until they choose to stop or go bust.
– Cards can be numbered (adding to a total that must not exceed 10) or currency cards (subtracting from the total).

Auction/Bidding: Wild cards trigger an immediate auction among players.

Set Collection: The goal is to earn the most points by collecting sets of numbered cards in four different colors.

Scoring: Players earn 1 point for each card in their longest sequential run in each color, with a 1-point bonus for a run of 1-9.

Player Experience

Playing TEN is a dynamic and engaging experience that balances risk and strategy. Players must carefully decide when to stop flipping cards to avoid going bust, while also managing their currency tokens to bid on valuable wild cards. The game rewards attention to other players’ moves, as strategically busting or purchasing cards can impact the game’s outcome. The abstract theme and simple rules make it accessible, yet the gameplay is rich in tactical choices.

Pros

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Strategic Depth: Players can employ various strategies, such as focusing on building runs or accumulating wealth.

Colorblind Friendly: The card design includes geometric patterns to assist colorblind players.

Quick and Satisfying: Games are typically short, making it a great filler game.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game’s outcome can be heavily influenced by luck, particularly in the draw of cards.

Limited Theme: The abstract theme may not appeal to players seeking a more immersive storyline.

Bust Mechanic: Going bust can be frustrating, especially if it happens frequently.

Personal Thoughts on TEN

TEN is ideal for players who enjoy push-your-luck games and are looking for a game that is both simple to learn and rich in strategy. It is a great addition to any game collection, particularly for those who appreciate quick, engaging games with deep tactical possibilities. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex themes or extensive gameplay sessions, TEN excels as a filler game that offers a satisfying experience in a short amount of time.

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