Sleeping Queens (2005) Board Game

Sleeping Queens is a card game designed by Miranda Evarts and published by Gamewright in in 2005. It is a fun and engaging game that is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics and entertaining theme.

Game Components of Sleeping Queens

79 cards, including:
– 12 Queen cards with point values (5 to 20)
– King cards to awaken queens
– Knight cards to steal queens
– Dragon cards to block knights
– Wand cards to counter sleeping potions
– Sleeping Potion cards to put queens back to sleep
– Jester cards for additional turns
– Number cards (1-10) for discarding and drawing.

How To Setup Sleeping Queens

To set up the game, spread the 12 Queen cards face-down in the play area. Each player is dealt five cards from the red deck of action and number cards. The remaining deck is placed in the center. Players can then begin their turns, playing cards to awaken queens and interact with other players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Awakening Queens: Play King cards to awaken sleeping queens and place them face-up in front of you.

Stealing Queens: Use Knight cards to steal awakened queens from other players, which can be blocked by Dragon cards.

Potions and Wands: Play Sleeping Potion cards to put an opponent’s queen back to sleep, and use Wand cards to counter these potions.

Jester Cards: Play Jester cards to flip the top card of the deck; if it’s an action card, you can add it to your hand and take another turn. If it’s a number card, count players up to the number, and the last player gets to awaken a queen.

Number Cards: Discard single cards, pairs of identical number cards, or sets of cards that form an addition equation to draw new cards.

Game Objective: Win by collecting either 5 queens (or 4 in a 4-5 player game) or queens worth 50 points (or 40 points in a 4-5 player game).

Player Experience

**Sleeping Queens** offers a delightful and engaging experience, especially for families and younger players. The game is quick, lasting about 20 minutes, and combines light combat, strategy, and simple arithmetic. The colorful and cute artwork makes the game appealing to children, while the gameplay mechanics provide enough complexity to keep adults entertained. It’s a great filler game that can be played between longer games or as a quick family activity.

Pros

Educational Value: Enhances memory, strategy, and elementary arithmetic skills.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to younger players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range and player count.

Quick Games: Can be played in under 20 minutes.

Colorful Artwork: Engaging and whimsical illustrations.

Cons

Limited Depth: May not appeal to experienced gamers looking for complex strategies.

Dependence on Luck: Some gameplay elements rely on card draws, which can be random.

Younger Players’ Struggle: Younger children might find the arithmetic aspect challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Sleeping Queens

**Sleeping Queens** is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers. It is particularly suited for children who enjoy imaginative and interactive games, while also providing a gentle introduction to strategic thinking and arithmetic. For adults, it serves as a light and fun filler game that can be enjoyed in short intervals. Overall, it’s a charming and educational game that brings joy and engagement to players of all ages.

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