9 Lives (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

9 Lives is a trick-taking card game designed by Taiki Shinzawa and released in in 2015. The game is centered around cats and their nine lives, with players trying to collect as many lives as possible through various tricks and gameplay mechanics. The game features cute and colorful artwork by BoardGameTables.com and Jelly Jelly Games, adding to the overall charm of the game.

Game Components of 9 Lives

A deck of cards with 3-4 suits, each suit having numbers from 1 to 9.

A small board designed to look like a rug.

Four cat tokens.

Cards with distinct stencil designs on the backs to facilitate play for those with color vision difficulties.

How To Setup 9 Lives

To set up the game, each player is dealt nine cards. The purple suit is always the trump suit. Players use a prediction mat where they place their cat tokens to indicate how many tricks they think they will win. This can be either an exact number or a range of numbers. The mat has a circular design where numbers wrap around, allowing for unique bidding strategies.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-Taking: Players must follow suit if they can, with the purple suit always being trump.

Bidding: Players bid on the number of tricks they will win, either an exact number or a range.
– Bids are made by placing a cat token on the prediction mat.
– Each number can only be bid up to two times.

Scoring: Points are earned for hitting the bid exactly (4 points) or within a range (2 points). Points are lost if the bid is missed.

Card Exchange: The winner of a trick takes one of the other cards played in that trick into their hand.

Game End: The game ends after four rounds or when a player reaches 9 points. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

**9 Lives** is described as a light and tense card game that offers a unique twist on traditional trick-taking games. The game requires strategic bidding and careful observation of the cards played, as players can see the backs of the cards and deduce their opponents’ plans. The gameplay is engaging but not overly complex, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Pros

Strategic Bidding: Allows for precise and ranged bids, adding a layer of strategy.

Card Exchange Mechanic: The winner of a trick taking a card from another player adds depth to the game.

Visual Accessibility: The stencil designs on the card backs help players with color vision difficulties.

Engaging Gameplay: Keeps players on their toes with constant adjustments needed based on the cards played.

Cons

Rule Complexity: Some rules, like the card exchange, can be easily missed if not clearly explained.

Number Readability: Some numbers on the cards can be hard to read, especially for new players.

Unique Scoring System: While engaging, the scoring system can be confusing for those used to more traditional scoring methods.

Personal Thoughts on 9 Lives

**9 Lives** is ideal for fans of trick-taking games looking for a fresh and challenging experience. It is not a genre-defining masterpiece but offers a unique blend of strategy and tension that makes it a welcome addition to any game night. The game’s accessibility and engaging mechanics make it suitable for both experienced players and those new to trick-taking games. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a highly complex or genre-defining experience.

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