Anansi (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Anansi is a card game that was released in 2020 by Blackrock Games. It is based on the African folklore character Anansi, known as a trickster spider who often outsmarts others through cunning and intelligence. The game incorporates elements of mythology and environmental themes, making it a unique and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Anansi

Deck of cards

Scorepad

Rulebook

How To Setup Anansi

To set up Anansi, each player receives a hand of cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The top card of the draw pile is turned over and placed beside the draw pile to start the discard pile. Players then take turns playing cards to form tricks, with each trick representing a story.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-taking: Players compete to win tricks, which represent stories.

Card Play: Smartly choose which tricks to aim for, as stories untold are worth points.

Objective: The player with the highest score at the end of three rounds wins the game.

Rounds: The game consists of three rounds, with scoring after each round.

Solo and Variants: Rules for solo play and other variants are available online.

Player Experience

Anansi offers a strategic and engaging experience for players who enjoy trick-taking games. It requires careful planning and a bit of luck, making each game unique and challenging. The theme of stories and the mythic spider adds a layer of charm and intrigue.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Encourages strategic thinking about which tricks to pursue.

Replayability: Multiple rounds and different card combinations ensure varied gameplay.

Thematic Appeal: The story and mythic themes add an extra layer of fun.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand rules, making it accessible to new players.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game includes an element of luck, which may not appeal to everyone.

Limited Complexity: Some players might find the game too straightforward or lacking in complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Anansi

Anansi is ideal for fans of trick-taking card games and those who appreciate strategic gameplay with a touch of theme. It is a great addition to any card game collection, offering a fun and engaging experience for 2 to 4 players. If you enjoy games like Bridge or Hearts but are looking for something with a unique twist, Anansi is definitely worth checking out.

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