Matcha (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Matcha is a 2-player card game designed by David Harding and published by Grail Games in in 2015. The game falls under the categories of bluffing and card games, with a focus on hand management and set collection mechanics. The game’s artwork is done by TJ Lubrano, giving it a unique and visually appealing look.

Game Components of Matcha

18 tea ceremony (otemae) cards

8 mat (tatami) cards, including two blank mats for token storage

35 wooden utensil (chadogu) tokens

2 zero cards and cards numbered 1-4 in different colors (except white).

How To Setup Matcha

To set up Matcha, lay out six mats in pairs, each pair containing one of each type of mat. Randomly shuffle the deck and place the cards onto the mats. If a zero card is drawn, replace it with a randomly drawn geisha/item card and return it to the deck. Each player receives a hand of five cards, and the remaining two cards are set aside, face down, unknown to both players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Set collection
– Card matching
– Bluffing

Game Objective:
– Be the first player to collect the necessary items to perform a tea ceremony, either by collecting one of each item or four of the same item.
– Players take turns placing cards face down next to the geisha/item cards on the mats.
– The player who places the card that best matches the geisha/item card wins the token.
– If both players play mismatched cards, neither receives a token. However, if one player repeatedly plays mismatched cards, they can win by collecting four white whisk tokens.

Player Experience

Matcha is a quick and charming game, typically lasting about 20 minutes. It is well-suited as a filler game or for date-night play due to its light and engaging nature. The game requires strategic thinking, as players must decide when to match and when to bluff to outmaneuver their opponent. The game’s small size and beautiful Asian-themed art add to its appeal.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: The game features cute and visually appealing Asian-themed pieces.

Quick Gameplay: Matches are short, lasting about 10-15 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Players need to balance matching and bluffing to win.

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

Cons

Potential for Short Games: If a player focuses on collecting white whisk tokens, the game can end very quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes.

Limited Replayability: The game’s small deck and straightforward mechanics might make it less engaging after multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on Matcha

Matcha is perfect for those looking for a light, fun, and quick game to fill a short gaming session. It’s ideal for couples or friends who enjoy simple yet strategic games. While it may not offer the complexity sought by hardcore gamers, it serves as a delightful and easy-to-play experience that can be enjoyed by players of various skill levels.

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