Indulgence (2017) Board Game

Indulgence is a modern take on the classic trick-taking card game, inspired by an historical card game called “Speculation.” It was reimagined and published in 2017 by Restoration Games, with designers Chelsea Harper and Jason Taylor at the helm. The game incorporates elements of strategy and bluffing, making it an engaging and dynamic experience for players.

Game Components of Indulgence

Deck of cards

Edict cards that determine the rules for each hand

Florin tokens for scoring

How To Setup Indulgence

To set up Indulgence, players start by shuffling the deck and dealing a set number of cards to each player. The edict cards, which dictate the rules for each hand, are placed face down within reach of all players. Each player also receives a starting amount of florin tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Trick-taking game

Mechanics: Avoidance trick-taking, where players are penalized for capturing certain tricks or cards

Objective: Accumulate the most florins by adhering to or strategically breaking the rules set by the edict cards.

Turn Structure: Players choose an edict card to set the rules for the hand, then decide whether to follow or break these rules to maximize their score.

Player Experience

Indulgence offers a unique twist on traditional trick-taking games by introducing edict cards that can either reward or penalize players based on their actions. This adds a layer of strategy and social interaction as players must weigh the risks and benefits of following or breaking the rules. The game is simple to learn but requires careful planning to win.

Pros

Unique Mechanic: The use of edict cards adds a fresh spin to the traditional trick-taking formula.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to think ahead and make tactical decisions.

Social Interaction: Encourages negotiation and bluffing among players.

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

Cons

Penalty System: Some players may find the penalty system too harsh.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 3-4 players only.

Replayability: The game’s replay value may be limited by the fixed set of edict cards.

Personal Thoughts on Indulgence

Indulgence is ideal for players who enjoy strategy and social interaction in their games. It is particularly suited for those who are familiar with trick-taking games but are looking for something new and challenging. The game’s unique mechanics make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for groups of 3-4 players who enjoy a mix of luck and strategy. However, it may not be the best choice for large groups or those who prefer games with a high level of complexity.

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