Archduke (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Archduke is a board game that was released in 2020 and designed by Ryan Tibbitts. It falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, deduction, memory, and party game. The game is designed for 2-6 players, with the best experience being for 4-6 players. With a runtime of 15-25 minutes, Archduke is recommended for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Archduke

104 Cards

24 Screen-printed wood tokens

1 Rule Book

How To Setup Archduke

To set up Archduke, each player is dealt four cards, which are placed face-down in a 2×2 grid. Players can look at any two of their cards at the start of the game and must remember their values and positions, as the cards will remain face-down and un rearranged throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drawing and Playing: Players draw a card from the main deck or the discard pile and then play a card, either the one drawn or one from their hand.

Card Swapping: Players can swap cards from their hand with those from the deck or discard pile.

Action Cards: Special cards with landscape symbols trigger immediate actions when played.

Matching Cards: Players can match played cards with ones from their hand to discard them.

Scoring: The goal is to finish with as few points as possible. Points are kept using screen-printed wood tokens, and the player with the lowest score at the end of four rounds wins.

Player Experience

Archduke is praised for its simple yet engaging mechanics, making it an excellent filler game. The game requires quick thinking, memory, and strategic use of special cards to sabotage opponents. Players must pay close attention to the discard pile to match and discard their cards before the next player’s turn. This fast-paced environment keeps players entertained and engaged, making it suitable for both casual and serious gamers.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game is quick to learn and can be started in under 5 minutes.

High Replayability: Fast rounds and strategic depth ensure the game remains fun over multiple plays.

Strategic Depth: Despite simple mechanics, the game offers more strategy than initially apparent.

Suitable for Various Ages: It is enjoyable for players of different ages and skill levels.

Quality Components: Includes beautiful screen-printed wood tokens and well-designed cards.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game involves some luck, which can affect the outcome.

Limited Theme: The game lacks a strong theme, though this does not hinder gameplay.

Peek Cards: Cards with high point values, like “peek” cards, can be challenging to get rid of.

Personal Thoughts on Archduke

Archduke is perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced, strategic card games that require memory and quick thinking. It is an excellent addition to any game collection, particularly for fans of games like Ligretto and Sushi Go!. The game’s ability to accommodate 2-6 players makes it versatile for various gaming groups, and its short playtime ensures it can be easily fit into a busy schedule. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn but offers plenty of strategic depth, Archduke is a great choice.

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