Black DOG (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Black DOG is a team-based board game released in 2016 by Schmidt Spiele. It is designed for 2-4 players and has a playtime of 30-45 minutes. The game is suitable for ages 8 and up and falls under the category of family games.

Game Components of Black DOG

Game board made of high-quality materials

Five wooden tokens per player

Deck of cards with various symbols (bone, paw, heart)

Black Dog token

Score track

Dice

Player tokens and pawns

Center wheel with bones

How To Setup Black DOG

To set up Black DOG, start by laying out the game board with the four colored sides facing upwards. Each player selects their colored pawns and places four of them in their reserve location. In two and three player games, a fifth pawn is also used. The dealer shuffles the card deck and deals five cards to each player. The score track is placed in a visible location next to the board. Each player places one of their pieces on their start space to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player to move all their pieces from the starting point to the home space.

Card Play: Players use cards to move their pieces around the board. Cards have different symbols representing movement, special abilities, and healing.

Black Dog: A neutral token that moves around the board, sending any player piece it lands on back to the reserve.

Center Wheel: Players can turn the wheel to change the direction of movement.

Combat: Players roll dice to resolve conflicts, with the higher total winning the combat.

Team Play: Players can form teams, especially in two-player games, to strategize together.

Player Experience

Black DOG offers a engaging and strategic gaming experience. The game is easy to learn but provides depth through the use of cards, allowing players to make tactical decisions. The presence of the Black Dog adds an element of unpredictability, as players must navigate around it to avoid being sent back to the start. This game promotes social interaction and friendly competition among players.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Players have more control over their moves due to the card system.

Social Interaction: Encourages teamwork and competitive play.

Engaging Artwork: The game board and components feature colorful and high-quality artwork.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and up, making it a great family game.

Cons

Black Dog Impact: The Black Dog can sometimes feel more like a roadblock than an active threat, impacting some players more than others.

Limited Player Count: Unlike some other games in the Pachisi/Sorry family, Black DOG does not support more than four players.

Personal Thoughts on Black DOG

Black DOG is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a game that combines simplicity with strategic elements. It is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate the classic mechanics of Pachisi and Sorry but are looking for a fresh twist. The game’s design makes it accessible to players of different skill levels, ensuring that both new and experienced gamers can have a fun and immersive experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly complex or intensely competitive games.

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