Silver (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Silver is a card game designed by Ted Alspach and published by Bézier Games in in 2019. The game is known for its unique gameplay mechanics and strategic depth, making it a popular choice among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Silver

Cards: Numbered from 0 to 13, with special abilities and powers.

Village Cards: Players’ hand of cards, which start face down.

Silver Amulet: A special token that can protect a card in a player’s village.

Score Pad: For recording scores each round.

Metal Tokens and Insert: For organizing and storing the game components.

How To Setup Silver

To set up Silver, deal out cards to each player to form their village, even if there are fewer than four players. Each player chooses two cards from their village to secretly look at. The remaining cards stay face down. Shuffle the deck and draw cards to create a discard pile. Determine the starting player based on the lowest score from the previous round or by choice for the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Finish with the lowest score over four rounds by getting rid of high-value cards.

Drawing Cards: Players can draw from the top of the deck or take from the discard pile.

Calling for a Vote: Ends the round, allowing each player one final turn before tallying points.

Special Abilities: Cards have unique powers that can be used to gain information, protect cards, or disrupt opponents.

Scoring: Points are based on the value of cards remaining in a player’s village at the end of each round.

Player Experience

Playing Silver involves a blend of strategy and luck, as players must manage their hand of cards carefully to minimize their score. The game is marked by tension, particularly when deciding whether to call for a vote, which can significantly impact the round’s outcome. The special abilities on the cards add a layer of complexity and interaction, making each game unique.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a good balance of strategy and luck.

Interactive Gameplay: Special abilities allow for significant interaction with other players.

Tense Decision-Making: Calling for a vote adds a layer of risk and reward.

Attractive Components: The game features good artwork and quality cards.

Combination Potential: Can be combined with other games in the Silver series for varied gameplay.

Cons

Complex Rules: Teaching the game can be challenging due to the branching paths and card interactions.

Accessibility Barriers: Players may struggle with face-up and face-down card management.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find it difficult to grasp all the special abilities and strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Silver

Silver is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a social element. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that require careful hand management and strategic decision-making. While it may not be the best choice for new gamers due to its complex rules, experienced players will find it engaging and challenging. The game’s ability to be combined with other titles in the series adds a lot of replay value, making it a great addition to any card game enthusiast’s collection.

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