Bali (1954) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bali is a classic card game that was first released in in 1954. It is a popular game that can be played by 1-4 players, with the best experience being for 2 players. The game involves elements of melding and splaying cards, as well as spelling words.

Game Components of Bali

Cards: Two decks with identical contents, each with two different colored card backs to differentiate between solo and multi-player games.

Number of Cards: 5-7 cards dealt to each player, depending on the number of players.

Special Cards: Two “Bali” wild cards in multi-player games, which can be used as any letter and are worth 5 points each.

How To Setup Bali

To set up Bali, shuffle the decks together if playing with multiple players, or use one deck for solo play. Deal 5-7 cards to each player, depending on the number of players. The cards are laid out in columns, similar to solitaire. Ensure each player has their cards arranged in their playing area before starting the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Building Words: Players can choose a column to build on by taking cards from any column on the table. Cards must be built downwards, and if multiple letters are taken from a column, they must be taken in order.

Scoring Words: Players can score words at any time. The game ends when the deck runs out and players agree no more words can be made. Complete words score points, with a bonus for players whose all columns form complete words (“Balied”) at the end of the game.

Objective: The objective is to build and score the highest value words, with longer words rewarding higher scores.

Player Experience

Bali is a game that rewards strategic thinking and word-building skills. Players must carefully manage their cards to build potential words and prevent other players from stealing their prefixes. The game is playable by 1 to 4 players, offering versatility in its gameplay.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Bali requires planning and strategic card management.

High Replayability: With multiple decks and varying rules, the game offers different experiences each time it is played.

Word-Building Challenge: It is an excellent game for those who enjoy word games and puzzles.

Cons

Bali Card Imbalance: The “Bali” wild cards can be overly powerful, often leading to one player dominating the game if they receive these cards.

Complex Rules: Some versions have different rules variations, which can be confusing for new players.

Luck Factor: The random distribution of cards can significantly affect gameplay, making it sometimes unfair.

Personal Thoughts on Bali

Bali is a game suited for fans of word games and puzzles. It is ideal for those who enjoy strategic card management and building words. However, due to the potential imbalance caused by the “Bali” wild cards, it may not be the best choice for players seeking a perfectly balanced competitive experience. For solo players, it offers a challenging and engaging way to improve word-building skills. Despite its age, Bali remains an intriguing and challenging word game that can be enjoyed by players of various skill levels.

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