Brethren of the Coast (2016) Board Game

Brethren of the Coast is a pirate-themed board game released in in 2016. Designed by Kerri Aitken and featuring artwork by uplay.it edizioni, the game is set in the golden age of piracy and allows players to take on the role of pirate captains competing for treasure and glory on the high seas.

Game Components of Brethren of the Coast

Player Ships: Each player starts with 3 large ships and 9 small ships.

Double-Sided Cards: These cards represent Spanish Galleons and later switch to islands.

Player Aid Card: Represents Port Royal and is placed in the middle of the table.

Deck of Cards: Modified for the number of players, containing Cannons, Muskets, Doubloons, Treasure Chests, and Marked Doubloons.

Doubloon Tokens: Each player starts with four doubloons, which can be used to play cards face down.

How To Setup Brethren of the Coast

To set up the game, each player receives a set of ships and four doubloons. The double-sided cards are arranged in a circle, with one card per player. A player aid card representing Port Royal is placed in the center. The deck of cards is shuffled, and four cards are removed at random to prevent card counting. Each player is then dealt a hand of four cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their cards to optimize their moves.

Worker Placement: Players place their ships on the board to influence scoring.

Bluffing: Players can play cards face down to hide information from opponents.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most doubloons by the end of the game.

Gameplay: Each turn, players place a ship and then a card at different locations. Cards can be played face up or face down (at a cost of one doubloon).

Scoring: Scoring occurs when a Spanish galleon card has six cards played next to it and at the end of the game for island cards. Players distribute doubloons and treasure chests based on their fleet positions.

Player Experience

**Brethren of the Coast** offers a light-hearted yet tactically engaging experience. Players must balance open and secret moves, using bluffing to outmaneuver their opponents. The simplicity of the game mechanics contrasts with the complexity of strategic decision-making, making it a fun and challenging experience.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Tactical Depth: Bluffing and strategic card placement add complexity.

Interactive: Players engage with each other through competitive and cooperative elements.

Short Playtime: Games last between 30 to 60 minutes.

Cons

Card Luck: Players are at the mercy of the cards they draw.

Limited Player Control: Some moves are dictated by the cards available.

Simple Mechanics: Some players might find the mechanics too straightforward.

Personal Thoughts on Brethren of the Coast

**Brethren of the Coast** is ideal for those who enjoy light, strategic games with a hint of bluffing and social interaction. It’s a great choice for families or casual game nights, providing a fun and engaging experience without overwhelming complexity. However, players seeking deeper strategic games might find this one a bit too light.

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