David & Goliath (1997) Board Game

The David & Goliath board game was released in 1997 by Berliner Spielkarten. Designed by Reinhard Staupe, this card game is based on the biblical story of David and Goliath. With a focus on trick-taking mechanics, the game is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of David & Goliath

A 90-card deck divided into five colored suits, each numbered from 1 to 18.

The game supports 3 to 6 players and is suitable for ages 8 and up.

How To Setup David & Goliath

To set up the game, deal 15 cards to each player. Depending on the number of players, some high cards may need to be removed from each suit to ensure the entire remaining deck is dealt out evenly. The player to the left of the dealer starts the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Trick-taking card game.

Mechanics: Players must follow the lead suit if possible. If not, any card can be played.

Game Objective: The goal is to collect cards strategically. The highest card in a trick is Goliath, and the lowest is David. Goliath collects all other cards of the trick, while David collects Goliath.

Scoring: Cards are worth their face value if a player has two or fewer cards of a suit. Once a player collects a third card of the same suit, all cards of that suit are worth one point each.

Player Experience

**David & Goliath** is a quick and engaging game that typically lasts about 20 minutes. The gameplay becomes more unpredictable as the game progresses, especially with fewer cards left in players’ hands. Strategy involves balancing the risk of taking tricks with the potential of collecting unwanted cards. The game has a thin theme and simple artwork, but it provides substantial enjoyment as a filler game, especially with its catch-up mechanics that allow players to target the leader.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: The game is light and can be completed in 30 minutes or less.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers interesting strategic choices.

Catch-Up Mechanics: Allows for dynamic gameplay where players can target the leader.

Cons

Chaotic with More Players: The game can feel chaotic with five or six players, especially towards the end.

Theme and Artwork: The theme is thin, and the artwork is not particularly impressive.

Personal Thoughts on David & Goliath

**David & Goliath** is ideal for those looking for a light, yet strategic card game that can be played quickly. It’s perfect as a filler game and is suitable for families and casual gamers. The unique mechanics and the dynamic nature of the game make it enjoyable for multiple playthroughs. If you enjoy trick-taking games with a twist, **David & Goliath** is definitely worth checking out.

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