Backstab Card Game (2015) Board Game

Backstab Card Game is a tabletop game released in 2015 by Dave Stawar and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. It falls under the Adventure, Card Game, Fantasy, and Humor categories, with a mix of Campaign/Battle Card Driven and Take That mechanisms.

Game Components of Backstab Card Game

Action Cards: Each player starts with five cards and can draw more as the game progresses.

Encounter Cards: These include numbered cards, steals, and traps that players must overcome.

Trump Cards: Determine the suit of the encounter cards.

Zone Cards: Define the order of suit strengths for each round.

Backstab Tokens: Allow players to backstab each other up to three times per round.

Coins: Used as victory points, with players aiming to collect 25 cents to win.

Trap Die: Used for resolving trap encounters and other random effects.

How To Setup Backstab Card Game

To set up the game, each player is dealt five action cards and given five victory points (coins). The remaining action cards are placed face down in a deck. Encounter cards are shuffled and five are drawn, placed face down in a row. Trump cards and zone cards are also shuffled and placed face down. The top zone card is drawn and placed face up next to the first encounter card. Each player receives three backstab tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rounds of Play: The game is played in rounds, each consisting of five encounters.

Encounter Resolution: Players play action cards to match or beat the encounter card’s value and suit, determined by the zone card. Winners earn coins and draw new action cards.

Backstabbing: Players can backstab each other up to three times per round, stealing coins and forcing the loser to give up a coin if they have no cards.

Trap Encounters: Involve rolling a die for random effects such as backstabbing, changing the zone, or gaining coins.

Objective: The first player to accumulate 25 cents wins the game.

Player Experience

Backstab is known for its fast-paced and cutthroat gameplay. Players must manage their hand of cards carefully to defeat encounters and backstab their opponents strategically. The game is highly interactive, with frequent changes in the zone card and the ability to backstab adding a layer of unpredictability. The artwork is cartoonish and humorous, featuring eccentric weapons and villains.

Pros

Fast-Paced and Interactive: Encourages direct interaction and quick thinking.

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Humorous Artwork: Adds to the game’s light-hearted and fun atmosphere.

Quick Game Sessions: Typically lasts between 30-45 minutes.

Cons

Beat-Up-The-Loser Mechanic: Can lead to one player being repeatedly targeted and losing cards and coins rapidly.

Luck-Dependent: The game involves significant luck through card draws and die rolls.

Ambiguous Rules: Some rules, especially regarding backstabbing with no cards, can be unclear.

Personal Thoughts on Backstab Card Game

Backstab is ideal for those who enjoy light, social games with a good dose of direct interaction and strategy. It’s perfect for game nights where you want something fun and not too complex, but still engaging enough to keep everyone involved. However, players who dislike games with significant luck elements or the potential for one player to be heavily targeted may find it less appealing. Overall, it’s a great filler game that combines the excitement of a dungeon crawl with the simplicity of a trick-taking game.

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