Absolutely Aces (2018) Board Game

Absolutely Aces is a card game designed by Wil Alambre and published by Hollandspiele in in 2018. It is a two-player game that falls under the categories of Animals, Aviation / Flight, and Card Game. The game is known for its quick gameplay, lasting around 10 minutes, and its focus on hand management as a key mechanic.

Game Components of Absolutely Aces

Card Pack: A set of 12 cards numbered 1 through 12.

Bidding Mechanism: Players secretly bid on cards.

Reserve System: Cards moved to the reserve based on bidding.

No other components: The game is minimalist, focusing solely on card interactions.

How To Setup Absolutely Aces

To set up Absolutely Aces, each player is dealt five face-down cards from a pack of twelve. Before the hands are revealed, players bid on one of their cards secretly and simultaneously. The high bidder goes first and removes their card from the game, while the low bidder’s card is placed in the first player’s reserve. This reserve card will move into the first player’s hand after they’ve played their first card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mandatory Reactions: Each card must be responded to with a specific counter-card.

Blocking Mechanism: Cards can block certain other cards, creating a fragile and reactive game state.

Bidding and Reserve: Players bid on cards, influencing the initial gameplay and reserve.

Game Objective: The goal is to score 15 points by winning rounds, with each round typically lasting a few minutes.

Player Experience

Playing Absolutely Aces is an intense and strategic experience. The game demands constant attention and quick decision-making as players must react to every card played by their opponent. The mandatory reaction mechanism creates a delicate balance where a single mistake can lead to immediate defeat. This game is not for the faint of heart; it requires a deep understanding of the card interactions and a strategic mind.

Pros

Quick Sessions: Games are short, lasting only a few minutes per round.

High Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and quick reactions.

Experimental Mechanics: It pushes the boundaries of traditional card game mechanics.

Free Holiday Game: Initially offered as a free holiday game, making it accessible to many players.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The mandatory reaction system can be confusing for new players.

Fragile Game State: The game can sometimes degenerate into stalemates if players make specific sequences of mistakes.

Limited Replayability: The small number of cards and specific interactions might limit the game’s replay value for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Absolutely Aces

Absolutely Aces is for players who enjoy highly strategic and reactive games. It is ideal for those who appreciate experimental game mechanics and are willing to invest time in understanding the intricate card interactions. This game is not suited for casual players or those looking for a relaxed gaming experience. Instead, it caters to enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of navigating complex and dynamic gameplay. If you’re looking for a game that will test your strategic thinking and reaction time, Absolutely Aces is definitely worth a try.

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