Abandon All Artichokes (2020) Board Game

Abandon All Artichokes is a card game designed by Emma Larkins and published by Gamewright in in 2020. The game falls under the farming category and incorporates deck, bag, and pool building mechanics, as well as open drafting. The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 10 and above.

Game Components of Abandon All Artichokes

Card Deck: Includes 10 initial artichoke cards per player and various vegetable cards with special powers.

Garden Row: A central row of cards featuring different vegetables.

Artichoke-Shaped Tin: The game comes packaged in a unique, artichoke-shaped tin.

Rulebook: Includes simple, easy-to-understand rules.

How To Setup Abandon All Artichokes

To set up the game, each player starts with a deck of 10 artichoke cards. The garden row is placed in the center of the table, displaying the available vegetable cards. Players draw five cards from their deck to form their starting hand. There is no need for a video as the setup is straightforward and explained in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Building: Players draw cards and add them to their deck.

Card Play: Players can play non-artichoke vegetable cards from their hand to perform various actions.

Carrots: Compost two artichoke cards from the hand.

Potatoes: Reveal the top card from the deck and compost it if it is an artichoke.

Beets: Swap cards with an opponent and compost both if they are artichokes.

Onions: Place an onion in another player’s discard pile.

Eggplants: Pass two artichokes to another player.

Leeks: Discard the top card from another player’s deck or steal it.

Broccoli: A more sustainable version of carrots, helping in long-term strategy.

Game Objective: The first player to start their turn with a hand that contains no artichokes wins the game.

Player Experience

Abandon All Artichokes offers a fun and interactive experience with simple rules that can be taught in minutes. The game is highly accessible, making it suitable for families, casual players, and experienced gamers alike. The gameplay is quick, lasting around 15-30 minutes, and involves positive player interaction, such as swapping and composting cards. Each game is unique and often closely contested, with players frequently finishing just one turn away from winning.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that can be taught quickly.

Positive Player Interaction: Focuses on cooperative and fun interactions between players.

Colorful Illustrations: Adorable artwork by Bonnie Pang adds to the game’s appeal.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages, including children.

Quick Gameplay: Games last between 15-30 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Allows for combo-building and strategic play.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The outcome can be heavily influenced by the luck of the draw.

Accessibility for Older Players: Some older players may find it difficult to read the card text and manage multiple card types.

Non-Stackable Tin: The unique tin packaging, while cute, is not stackable and may add unnecessary cost.

Personal Thoughts on Abandon All Artichokes

Abandon All Artichokes is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and those new to the hobby. It offers a balanced blend of luck, strategy, and positive player interaction, making it a great addition to any game collection. While it may not be as appealing to players who prefer complex, strategy-driven games, it is perfect for a light, fun game night. The game’s accessibility and short playtime make it an ideal option for intergenerational play, although some older players might need assistance with reading the cards. Overall, it is a delightful game that brings joy and simplicity to the table.

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