Chimera (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Chimera is a card game designed by Ralph H. Anderson and released in 2014 by ABACUSSPIELE. It is a team-based game that combines elements of auction/bidding, hand management, and ladder climbing. The game is designed for 3 players and has a runtime of around 45 minutes. The artwork for Chimera was done by Philippe Guérin and Chris Quilliams.

Game Components of Chimera

54-card deck: includes 4 suits of cards ranked 1-12, a hero card (denoted with an “H”) in each suit, a Pi Ya card (wild card), and the Chimera card (the highest single card).

Fortune Toads (rank 2 cards): worth 10 points each.

Prosperity Cats (rank 11 cards): worth 5 points each.

Chimera kitty: 3 cards dealt to the table at the start of the hand.

How To Setup Chimera

To set up Chimera, the deck is shuffled and cut, with the exposed card from the cut placed face up on the new deck. This card determines the starting player. Three cards are dealt to the table as the Chimera’s kitty, and the rest of the cards are distributed to the players, with each player receiving 17 cards. The player who received the face-up card starts the bidding phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics

Bidding: Players bid 20, 30, 40, or pass to determine who becomes the Chimera. The highest bidder becomes the Chimera, while the others are Hunters.

Card Play: The Chimera starts a trick by playing a legal combination of cards. Hunters must match the configuration of the starting play.

Legal Combinations: Include various sets and combinations such as straights, pairs, and triplets with attached cards.

Game Objective

The goal is to score points by going out first or achieving specific bonuses.

The game continues until a player reaches a target score, typically 400 points.

Player Experience

Playing Chimera feels like a high-stakes, dynamic card game where each player is in control of their own destiny. The bidding system introduces a risk-reward element, and the unknown contents of the Chimera kitty add an element of surprise. The game encourages big, flashy plays, making each hand exciting and unpredictable.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: Encourages creative and risky card plays.

Visual Appeal: Gorgeous art and high-quality card stock.

Engaging Mechanics: Bidding and card passing add complexity and strategy.

Flexible Scoring: Allows players to set their own target score.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Complex rules and legal combinations can be challenging to learn.

Game Length: Can be lengthy, especially when playing to 400 points.

Personal Thoughts on Chimera

Chimera is ideal for those who enjoy strategic card games with a strong competitive edge. It is particularly suited for groups of three, offering a unique experience that stands out from its Tichu roots. While it may not quite match the heights of Tichu, Chimera is a compelling alternative that rewards bold and creative play. It is a great choice for players looking for a game that combines strategy, risk, and excitement in a single package.

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