Equinox (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Equinox is a fantasy board game released in 2021 and designed by Chris Quilliams. It is published by Plan B Games and is designed for 2–5 players with a playing time of 40–60 minutes. The game features betting and bluffing, card play conflict resolution, and hand management as its main mechanics.

Game Components of Equinox

14 creature cards, with only 8 used per game

Large tarot-sized cards featuring art by Chris Quilliams

Betting markers

Card deck with special powers

Rulebook

How To Setup Equinox

To set up Equinox, players first select eight creature cards from the fourteen available. Each creature is placed in its own column on the table. Each player receives a hand of cards and betting markers. The game also includes a mechanism for secret wagers, where players can place a card from their hand face down with a betting marker on top.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Betting Mechanic: Players place bets on which creatures will survive each round.

Card Play: Players play cards to influence the strength of the creatures.

Creature Powers: Each creature has special powers that can be used by the player with the highest stake in that creature.

Secret Wagers: Players can place secret wagers in the first round, which are revealed at the player’s discretion.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by correctly betting on creatures that survive and using creature powers effectively.

Player Experience

Equinox offers a dynamic and strategic experience, particularly with 2-3 players. Players must balance their bets and card plays to maximize their points. Early bets are riskier but potentially more rewarding, while later bets are safer but less valuable. The game requires careful planning and adaptation, as other players can target and undermine each other’s bets.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a lot of depth with its betting and card play mechanics.

Replayability: With fourteen creatures and only eight used per game, the game has high replayability.

Engaging Theme: The mystical forest theme and competitive elements make the game engaging.

Meaningful Choices: Players have many meaningful decisions to make, especially in the final rounds.

Cons

Player Count Issues: The game is less enjoyable with 4-5 players due to increased chaos and unpredictability.

Large Card Size: The large tarot-sized cards can be cumbersome and impede gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Equinox

Equinox is best suited for players who enjoy strategic card games and betting mechanics. It shines with 2-3 players, offering a sharp and thoughtful experience. While it can accommodate up to five players, the game becomes less predictable and more chaotic with larger player counts. For fans of Reiner Knizia and those who appreciate games with deep strategic layers, Equinox is a compelling addition to any board game collection.

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