Trellis (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Trellis is a abstract strategy board game released in 2018 by designer Vikki Chu. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up. Players compete to create the most beautiful garden by strategically placing tiles and creating enclosures.

Game Components of Trellis

Tiles featuring interconnected vines

Flower tokens (often referred to as “flower meeples” or “fleeples”)

Player-specific vines and flowers

How To Setup Trellis

To set up Trellis, players start by distributing the flower tokens evenly among them, typically 15 per player. Each player chooses a set of vines to start with. The tile deck is shuffled, and each player draws a few tiles to begin. The remaining tiles are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players take turns placing tiles to connect vines.

Bloom Mechanic: When a tile connects an unclaimed vine to a vine with a flower, the flowers on the connected vines “bloom.”

Claiming Vines: Players claim vines by placing a flower on them and add flowers to vines of the same color.

Gift Mechanic: If a player’s action causes another player’s flowers to bloom, they receive additional flowers as “gifts.”

Objective: The first player to place all of their flowers on the board wins.

Player Experience

Trellis offers a simple yet strategic gameplay experience. Players need to balance extending their own vines with strategically connecting to other players’ vines to gain more flowers. The game’s visual appeal, with its beautiful art and colorful vines, enhances the player experience. The gameplay is quick, lasting about 20 minutes, making it a great fit for casual game nights or as an introduction to more complex board games.

Pros

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

Beautiful Artwork: The tiles and flowers are visually appealing.

Strategic Depth: Players must make tactical decisions about which vines to connect and when to claim flowers.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last around 20 minutes.

Gateway Game: Excellent introduction to tile-laying and strategic board games.

Cons

Simplicity: Some experienced gamers might find the game too simple.

Luck Element: Tile draws can influence the game’s outcome.

Personal Thoughts on Trellis

Trellis is perfect for those new to board games or looking for a light, enjoyable experience. It’s an excellent choice for families or casual game groups due to its easy-to-understand mechanics and short playtime. While it may not offer the complexity that seasoned gamers seek, it is a delightful addition to any board game collection and serves well as a stepping stone into more intricate games.

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