SUTAKKU (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

SUTAKKU is a dice game released in 2011, designed by Curt Covert and Chiyo Nagahara Romei. The game is published by Smirk & Dagger Games and falls under the category of dice games. With a runtime of 15 minutes, SUTAKKU can accommodate 1-12 players, making it a versatile choice for game nights.

Game Components of SUTAKKU

12 large dice: ¾” on each side, featuring Japanese kanji numbers for a unique aesthetic.

Cloth dice bag: For storing the dice.

Stacking board: A two-piece board with a circle for dice-stacking and a quick-reference comparison of Western numbers to Japanese figures.

Score pad: For keeping track of points.

Bonus cards: Optional “Smirky’s Challenge” cards that introduce additional challenges and strategies.

How To Setup SUTAKKU

To set up SUTAKKU, place the two-piece stacking board in the middle of the table. The 12 dice are set in the play area, and a pen and score pad are kept handy. If playing with the “Smirky’s Challenge” variant, shuffle the deck of bonus cards and place them nearby.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Roll three dice per turn.

Stacking: Stack two of the rolled dice, ensuring each die is the same or higher value than the one below it.

Decision Time: Choose to stop rolling and score points or continue rolling to potentially earn more points.

Scoring: Score points equal to the number of dice in the stack multiplied by the number on the top die. Additional bonuses are awarded for having a 5 or 6 on top of the stack and for successfully stacking all 12 dice.

Mulligan: Once per round, a player can reroll two dice to try and get better results.

Player Experience

SUTAKKU is a game that balances simplicity with depth, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The gameplay is easy to learn but challenging to master, especially with the introduction of bonus cards. Players enjoy the aesthetic appeal of the game, with its large, heavy dice and beautifully designed components. However, the game’s simplicity means it may not be ideal for strategy gamers looking for complex gameplay.

Pros

Beautiful Components: The dice and game board are aesthetically pleasing and well-crafted.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy for new players to jump in quickly.

High Replayability: The game offers a lot of replay value, especially with the challenge of attempting to stack all 12 dice.

Optional Complexity: The bonus cards add an extra layer of strategy and challenge for those who want it.

Cons

Edge Cases: The game has several edge cases that can make the rules slightly confusing, especially for new players.

Cheap Bonus Cards: The quality of the bonus cards is noted to be subpar, feeling like an afterthought.

Math Requirements: The game requires a decent amount of math, which can be a downside for some players.

Personal Thoughts on SUTAKKU

SUTAKKU is ideal for casual and avid gamers looking for a quick, fun filler game. It is particularly suited for family gamers and those who enjoy press-your-luck dice games like Farkle or Cosmic Wimpout. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, it excels in its simplicity and aesthetic appeal, making it a great addition to any game collection.

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