MOW (2008) Board Game – Board Game Guys

MOW is a card game designed by Bruno Cathala and published by Hurrican in in 2008. The game revolves around farm animals and has a humorous theme, making it suitable for players aged 7 and above. With hand management as its core mechanism, MOW can accommodate 2 to 10 players, with the best experience being for 4 players.

Game Components of MOW

110 playing cards

Book of rules

Cards include illustrations, numbers (0-16), and flies (0-5)

Two decks distinguishable by color (green deck for 2-5 players, combine decks for more than five players)

How To Setup MOW

To set up MOW, choose the appropriate deck based on the number of players. For 2-5 players, use only the green deck; for more than five players, combine both decks. Shuffle the selected cards and deal five cards to each player. The remaining cards form the deck. The first player takes the direction card and places it to point to the neighbor on the left, then plays one cow card to start the row and immediately draws a card from the deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Card laying, sequential play, strategic card selection.

Objective: Collect cows while avoiding cows with flies. The game ends when the deck runs out, and the player with 100 harmful insects (flies) first loses.

Special Cards:
– Acrobat cow: Can sneak up on cows with the same numbers.
– Slow cow: Can fit into the middle of the row.
– Milk and Lean Cows: Require players to take or not take extra cards.
– Mad cow: Forces players to use only cards with flies.

Player Experience

In MOW, players take turns laying out cow cards in a row, following the numerical order indicated on the cards. The game combines simple rules with tactical elements and a bit of luck. Players must strategically decide when to take risks and when to avoid flies, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The colorful and humorous illustrations add to the game’s charm.

Pros

Simple Rules: Easy to learn and explain.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children and adults.

Tactical Depth: Requires strategic thinking.

Awards and Recognition: Nominated for the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award.

Short Game Time: Games last between 15-30 minutes.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game involves a degree of luck, which might not appeal to all players.

Repetitive Gameplay: Some players might find the gameplay repetitive after multiple rounds.

Personal Thoughts on MOW

MOW is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a light-hearted, quick game. Its unique design and simple yet strategic gameplay make it an enjoyable experience for a wide range of players. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking complex, long-duration games, MOW’s charm and tactical elements make it a great addition to any game collection.

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