Twenty One (2017) Board Game

Twenty One is a dice game that was released in 2017 by designer Oliver Freudenreich. The game is designed for 2-6 players and has a quick playing time of around 15 minutes. It falls under the category of dice games and involves dice rolling and paper-and-pencil mechanics.

Game Components of Twenty One

A pad of scoring sheets with six different color combinations

Rules

Six colorful six-sided dice

No pencils are included, so players must provide their own writing utensils.

How To Setup Twenty One

To set up the game, each player receives a scoring sheet, which is not identical to the others, ensuring variety among players. The sheets are color-coded and have specific numbers indicating the maximum value that can be entered in each space. Players need something to write with, and the dice are ready for rolling. The game is designed to be quick and straightforward, with no complex setup required.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Roll-and-write

Dice rolling

Rerolling (with restrictions)

Competitive solitaire

Game Objective:

The goal is to score points by filling the scoring sheet with numbers rolled from the dice.

Points come from the raw sum of the rolls and the number of exact hits.

Each space on the sheet has a color and a maximum value; matching the exact value gives a bonus.

Players roll all six dice, with one reroll allowed (except for ones).

Everyone must use at least one number from the roll, but only on the current row.

If a space cannot be filled, the leftmost open space on the row must be crossed out.

The game ends when a player fills their fifth row; the player with the highest total score wins[4/.

Player Experience

**Twenty One** is an abstract, quick, and interactive game that keeps all players engaged on every turn. It is designed for 2-6 players, with an age recommendation of 8+. The game is well-designed and executed, ensuring that players are always active, which contrasts with traditional dice games like Yahtzee that often involve downtime. However, the game is highly dependent on luck, with limited strategic decisions, making it more suited for casual players rather than strategists.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Everyone is involved on every turn.

Fast Game Length: Games are quick, usually ending when a player fills their fifth row.

Simple Setup: Easy to set up and start playing.

Well-Designed Components: Clear and colorful scoring sheets and well-made dice.

Suitable for Families: Recommended for ages 8+, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Cons

High Luck Factor: The game is very lucky, with limited strategic choices.

Limited Replayability: While the game is fun, it may not be as appealing for repeat plays due to its simplicity and lack of deep strategy.

Potential Colorblind Issue: There is a potential issue for colorblind players since the sheets do not have symbols to match the dice.

Personal Thoughts on Twenty One

**Twenty One** is a great option for those looking for a quick, easy-to-play roll-and-write game that keeps everyone engaged. It is particularly suited for non-gamers or families who enjoy simple, interactive games. However, for gamers seeking more strategic depth, **Twenty One** might feel too light and reliant on luck. It serves well as a filler game or an introduction to the roll-and-write genre, but it may not offer the complexity some players crave.

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.