Bone to Pick (2022) Board Game

Bone to Pick is a board game released in 2022, designed by Balázs Bodnár, Buzzkill, and Viktor Csete. The game falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, comic book/ strip fantasy, party game, and zombies, making it a fun and engaging choice for a diverse group of players. With its unique gameplay mechanics and cooperative elements, Bone to Pick offers a fresh take on the genre.

Game Components of Bone to Pick

Player boards: Each player has a personalized board.

Weapon cards: 12 basic weapons per player, numbered from 0 to 10.

Undead cards: A deck of cards representing undead monsters, including easier and harder difficulity levels.

Campaign, legend, scapegoat, and upgrade cards: Used in the full four-round campaign.

Trophy cards: Awarded to players for defeating undead monsters.

How To Setup Bone to Pick

To set up the game, each player receives a player board and the corresponding 12 basic weapon cards. The undead cards are shuffled, and 10 cards are dealt face down to the center of the table. For an easier game, the harder purple cards can be excluded. The campaign, legend, scapegoat, and upgrade cards are set aside for the full campaign version.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative gameplay: Players work together to defeat undead monsters.

Hidden information: Players secretly choose and reveal weapon cards.

Negotiation and deception: Players can discuss and lie about their card choices.

Combat resolution: The sum of the revealed weapon cards is compared to the strength of the undead monster.

Trophy system: The player with the highest weapon card in a successful battle earns a trophy.

Safe haven: Failure to defeat monsters damages the safe haven; if it is destroyed, the game ends.

Scapegoat mechanism: In the event of failure, the player who contributed the least is designated the scapegoat.

Campaign mode: A four-round campaign with upgrades and additional challenges.

Player Experience

In **Bone to Pick**, players engage in a dynamic mix of cooperation and competition. Each turn involves strategic discussion and bluffing as players decide which weapons to play to defeat the undead. The game requires balance between contributing to the team’s success and personal glory, as the player with the most trophies at the end of the game is declared the winner. However, failure can lead to a scapegoat being identified, adding an element of social interaction and potential humor.

Pros

Engaging gameplay: Combines cooperation and personal achievement.

Strategic depth: Players must balance teamwork with personal goals.

Social interaction: Encourages negotiation and bluffing.

Replayability: Different undead cards and campaign mode offer varied challenges.

Cons

Complexity: Multiple mechanics and phases can be overwhelming for new players.

Player conflict: The scapegoat mechanism can lead to negative feelings among players.

Length: The full campaign mode can be lengthy.

Personal Thoughts on Bone to Pick

**Bone to Pick** is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative games with a twist of personal achievement. It suits groups looking for a game that requires strategic thinking, negotiation, and a bit of deception. The game is particularly appealing to those who enjoy social interaction and the dynamics of teamwork with a competitive edge. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking purely cooperative experiences without conflict or those who are easily frustrated by complex rules and mechanisms.

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