American Bookshop (2019) Board Game

American Bookshop is a card game released in 2019 by the publisher 双子のライオン堂 (Twins Lion Do). The game is designed by Taiki Shinzawa and features artwork by Haruka Hiramoto, Keisuke Nakamura, and Renato Simões. It falls under the category of trick-taking games and is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of American Bookshop

Cards: The game includes four suits with cards numbered from 0 to 11, each suit having two 0s.

No additional components: The game is purely card-based.

How To Setup American Bookshop

To set up **American Bookshop**, players simply shuffle the deck and deal the cards. The exact number of cards dealt can vary depending on the number of players, but the general rule is to ensure each player has a balanced hand. There are no complex board setups or additional preparations required.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-taking: Players must follow the suit led, if they can.

No-trump: The game does not use trump suits.

Objective: The goal is to avoid taking tricks or to take specific tricks based on the card values.

Card values: Each suit has cards from 0 to 11, with two 0s in each suit, which adds a layer of strategy.

Player Experience

**American Bookshop** offers a engaging and strategic gameplay experience. The absence of a trump suit and the unique distribution of card values (with two 0s in each suit) make each trick challenging and unpredictable. Players need to carefully plan their moves to either avoid taking tricks or to take specific tricks that align with their strategy.

Pros

Simple to learn: The basic rules are easy to grasp.

Deep strategy: The game requires strategic thinking and planning.

Portable: Being a card game, it is highly portable.

No language dependency: The game can be played with minimal text, making it accessible to players who do not speak Japanese.

Cons

Limited player count flexibility: The game may not be as enjoyable with fewer players.

Dependence on player interaction: The game’s enjoyment can vary based on the players’ strategies and interactions.

Personal Thoughts on American Bookshop

**American Bookshop** is ideal for fans of trick-taking games who are looking for a fresh and challenging experience. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy strategic card games and are comfortable with the nuances of trick-taking mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking a game with complex themes or high player count flexibility, it is a great addition to any card game collection due to its unique mechanics and portability.

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