King of 12 (2020) Board Game

King of 12 is a card game designed by Rita Modl and published by Corax Games in in 2020. It falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, and fantasy, and is suitable for players aged 10 and above. The game involves dice rolling and simultaneous action selection, making it a strategic and engaging experience for 2 to 4 players.

Game Components of King of 12

48x Character cards (12 per player color)

4x Reference cards

4x Twelve-sided dice

Point tokens (9x 1 VP, 6x 2 VP)

Cards featuring various characters with unique powers, such as The Alchemist, The Sorcerer, The Golem, and more.

How To Setup King of 12

To set up the game, each player chooses a set of seven cards from the twelve starting cards, ensuring at least two cards have the blue die symbol. Each player receives the same starting hand of ten cards. Players then set aside the point tokens and roll their twelve-sided dice to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Simultaneous Card Play: Players secretly choose a card and reveal them simultaneously.

Card Effects: Cards can manipulate dice values, cancel opponents’ effects, or change the order of operations.

Dice Comparison: The highest die value (after applying card effects) generally wins the round.

Point System: The winner of the round receives 2 points, and the runner-up receives 1 point.

Tie Resolution: If players have the same points or dice values, these are canceled and do not count towards the round’s outcome.

Game Objective

The objective is to win two rounds by having the most points or strategically using cards to outmaneuver opponents. The first player to achieve this wins the game and claims the throne of the Twelve Kingdoms.

Player Experience

**King of 12** thrives on chaotic unpredictability, especially with more players. The game is most enjoyable with 3-4 players, as it creates a hectic and entertaining environment where players frequently cancel each other’s cards, dice, and points. With fewer players, particularly two, the game loses some of its chaotic charm and becomes more tactical, which can be less engaging. The game typically lasts between 20-40 minutes, making it a quick and engaging experience.

Pros

Chaotic and Unpredictable: The game’s mechanics create a dynamic and unpredictable environment.

Strategic Depth: Players must carefully choose cards and anticipate opponents’ moves.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Quick Playtime: Games last between 20-40 minutes.

Cons

Limited Two-Player Experience: The game is less engaging with only two players due to the frequent cancellation of points and dice values.

High Randomness: The game can feel less controlled due to the unpredictable nature of card effects and dice rolls.

Personal Thoughts on King of 12

**King of 12** is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with a dash of unpredictability. It is perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a quick, engaging game that requires strategic thinking and a bit of luck. While it shines with more players, it remains a fun and tactical game even with fewer participants, albeit with a different flavor. If you enjoy games that are fast-paced and full of surprises, **King of 12** is certainly worth considering.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.