Deadly Dowagers (2023) Board Game

Deadly Dowagers is a card game designed by Sarah Shipp and published by Sparkworks. It was released in 2023 and quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of humor, murder/mystery theme, and engaging gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Deadly Dowagers

1 Rulebook

6 Player Boards

24 Husband Cards

89 Main Deck Cards

12 Starting Farm Cards

Various Punchboard Tokens.

How To Setup Deadly Dowagers

To set up the game, each player selects a player board and receives a starting dowry and some land. The main deck is shuffled, and each player drafts a hand of four cards in a pick-and-pass style. The game is divided into rounds, each consisting of four phases: drafting, investment, husband, and housekeeping.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Closed Drafting: Players draft cards in a pick-and-pass style.

Hand Management: Players manage their cards carefully to make strategic decisions.

Race: The game ends when one player meets the victory conditions.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate a sufficient dowry to attract the Duke. Players must build wealth through investments and strategic serial marriages while keeping their infamy below 9. The game ends when a player has no current husband, spends 120 crowns, and plays a remarry card to marry the Duke.

Player Experience

Players experience a dynamic and strategic game environment where every decision affects the next player. The game is known for its simultaneous play, which keeps all players engaged throughout. The artwork is praised for its quality and thematic consistency, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game. Players must balance wealth accumulation with maintaining a good reputation to avoid being overlooked by the Duke.

Pros

Engaging Simultaneous Play: Keeps all players involved and active.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and card management.

High-Quality Artwork: Gorgeous and stylish presentation.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last around 30 minutes.

Good Balance: Rarely sees a game without multiple players eligible for victory.

Cons

Limited Card Variety: With 4-6 players, the deck may be reshuffled frequently.

Infamy Management: Managing infamy can be challenging, especially with multiple husbands.

Potential for Repetition: Some players find the game repetitive after multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on Deadly Dowagers

Deadly Dowagers is ideal for those who enjoy strategic card-drafting games with a unique thematic twist. It is suited for players aged 14 and above and supports 2-6 players. The game’s balance and simultaneous play mechanics make it entertaining for larger groups, while the strategy required keeps each game engaging. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking high variability in gameplay or those who are sensitive to themes involving murder and infamy.

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.