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Bridge City Poker (2022) Board Game

Bridge City Poker is a card game designed by Shea Satterlee and Caleb Sohigian, with artwork by the Portland Game Collective. It was released in 2022 and is intended for 2–4 players, with a recommended age of 12 and up. The game falls into the card game category, featuring mechanics such as hand management, ladder climbing, melding and splaying, and moving through the deck.

Game Components of Bridge City Poker

  • 60 Bridge cards in four suits numbered 0-14, distinguished by color and featuring bridges from Portland, Oregon.
  • 27 Power cards that modify game rules.
  • 4 Player Aid cards.
  • 1 Rulebook.

    How To Setup Bridge City Poker

    To set up Bridge City Poker, each player starts with a hand of cards, the number of which depends on the player count. For a two-player game, a specific number of cards are dealt, and for more players, the deck is adjusted accordingly. The Power cards are randomly selected and mixed into the deck. The game involves three phases: trick, draw, and cleanup. Players must initiate the game by playing a meld or passing, setting the stage for the trick phase.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Phases: Trick, draw, and cleanup phases.
  • Melds: Players can play single cards, pairs, triples, full houses, runs, or sequences to win tricks.
  • Power Cards: Temporarily change or modify game rules, such as wild cards, avoiding tricks, or reconstructing hands.
  • Objective: Shed all cards in your hand first to score the fewest points. The player with the lowest score after three rounds wins.

    Player Experience

    Bridge City Poker is designed to be accessible to first-time players while offering depth for veterans. The game is easy to grasp and fun, with the climbing mechanism and Power cards adding significant variety and strategic possibilities. Players must manage their ever-growing hands and navigate the dynamic introduced by Power cards, which can either help or hinder their progress. The game’s simple yet appealing design, featuring bridges from Portland, adds a pleasant visual element.

    Pros

  • Accessible: Easy to learn for new players.
  • Dynamic: Power cards introduce a high level of variety and strategy.
  • Fun: Engaging and lively gameplay.
  • Visual Appeal: Pleasant bridge-themed card design.
  • Gateway Game: Excellent introduction to the shedding and trick-taking genres.

    Cons

  • Edge Cases: Some Power cards can create complex rules interactions that require arbitration.
  • Rule Clarity: Some edge cases may need common sense application, as the rulebook could be clearer.
  • Customization: More recommended combinations of Power cards would be beneficial for new players.

    Personal Thoughts on Bridge City Poker

    Bridge City Poker is perfect for those looking to dive into the world of shedding and trick-taking games. It is a great gateway game that balances simplicity with strategic depth, making it appealing to both newcomers and experienced gamers. The addition of Power cards adds a whimsical and surprising element, enhancing the game’s replay value and fun factor. This game is ideal for families, casual gamers, and anyone interested in a light yet thought-provoking card game.

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