Twin Palms (2022) Board Game

Twin Palms is a card game designed by Eric Hibbeler and published in in 2022. It falls under the category of trick-taking games, where players compete to win rounds by playing the highest card based on the rules of the game. The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, with a runtime of 30 to 60 minutes, making it a quick and engaging option for game nights.

Game Components of Twin Palms

Deck: 72 cards, including 3 suits (aqua Palms, pink Dolphins, and yellow Sunglasses) with two numbered cards of ranks 0 to 10, and two Wild cards per suit.

Bid and Bet Cards: Used for players to bid on the number of tricks they think they will take and to bet on their bids.

Player Hands: Each player is dealt 10 cards at the start of each hand.

How To Setup Twin Palms

To set up Twin Palms, shuffle the deck and deal 10 cards to each player. Determine the start player for the round, who will lead the first trick. Each player then examines their cards and secretly chooses a Bid card and optionally a Bet card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding and Betting: Players bid on the number of tricks they think they will take (0-5 tricks) and can choose to bet 0, Max, or ½ of the round number of points on their bid.

Trick Resolution: Players play pairs of cards. A pair is the best play, with suits ranked as Palms > Dolphins > Sunglasses > Mixed. If no pair is played, the highest two-card flush wins.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on whether players meet their bids. Successful bets gain points, while unsuccessful bets incur penalties.

Game Length: The game consists of a number of hands determined by the number of players, with each hand consisting of 5 tricks.

Objective: Score the most points by accurately matching your bids and winning tricks strategically.

Player Experience

Playing Twin Palms is a dynamic and strategic experience. Players must carefully manipulate their hand to create optimal pairs and assess the bids of other players to decide whether to win or lose tricks. The game moves quickly, with each hand lasting only a few minutes. However, games with four players can be a bit longer and more swingy due to the high value of bets.

Pros

Unique Gameplay Mechanics: Combines traditional trick-taking with bidding and betting, adding a layer of strategy.

Quick Hands: Each hand is short, making the game fast-paced and engaging.

Strategic Depth: Players must balance their bids with the cards in their hand and the bids of other players.

Beautiful Theme: The beach-themed design adds a fun and visually appealing element.

Cons

Bidding Can Be Unpredictable: Especially with fewer players, the simultaneous bidding can be a gamble.

Length with Four Players: Games with four players can be longer and more unpredictable due to the betting mechanics.

Limited Player Interaction at Times: Some players might find the simultaneous bidding and lack of direct interaction between rounds somewhat isolating.

Personal Thoughts on Twin Palms

Twin Palms is an excellent choice for those looking to spice up their card game collection with a unique blend of strategy and luck. It’s particularly suited for players who enjoy trick-taking games but are looking for something with a bit more complexity and depth. While it may not be the best fit for every player, especially those who prefer more direct interaction, it offers a fresh and engaging experience that will appeal to many. If you enjoy strategic card games with a touch of beachy charm, Twin Palms is definitely worth a try.

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