Circle the Wagons (2017) Board Game

Circle the Wagons is a two-player card game set in the American West, designed by Steven Aramini, Danny Devine, and Paul Kluka. It was released in 2017 by Button Shy, known for their wallet-sized games. The game features artwork by Loïc Billiau, Bryan Fischer, and Beth Sobel, and falls under categories such as City Building, Print & Play, and Card Game.

Game Components of Circle the Wagons

18 cards, including territory and bonus cards.

A vinyl wallet to store the game, making it highly portable.

Optional solo expansions: Lone Cowboy and Lone Cowboy Rides Again.

How To Setup Circle the Wagons

To set up the game, players arrange 15 cards in a circular fashion. The game includes three bonus cards placed in the center of the circle, which have unique scoring conditions. Each player starts by selecting a card, with the second player choosing first, determining where the first player begins their turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drafting Mechanic: Players take turns drafting cards from the circle, either taking the next available card or any card they want, skipping over others. Skipped cards are given to the opponent, who must play them in the order received.

Territory Building: Players add drafted cards to their boomtown, connecting matching territories to score points.

Scoring: Points are scored based on the largest blocks of matching territory backgrounds (desert, forest, snow, etc.) and the conditions on the bonus cards in the center.

Objective: The player with the most points, earned from territory blocks and bonus cards, wins the game.

Player Experience

Circle the Wagons offers a quick and varied gaming experience, lasting about 15-20 minutes. The game is easy to learn, making it accessible to both new and experienced gamers. The variable scoring conditions and card drafting mechanics ensure that no two games are the same, providing a high level of replayability.

Pros

Highly Portable: The game is packed in a vinyl wallet, making it easy to carry and play anywhere.

Replayability: With nearly 5,000 unique ways to score and millions of drafting combinations, the game offers extensive variability.

Easy to Learn: Simple to understand, yet strategic and engaging.

Quick Gameplay: Ideal for short game sessions or as a filler between longer games.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players, with solo expansions available but not the primary focus.

Theme Appeal: The Western theme may not appeal to everyone.

Personal Thoughts on Circle the Wagons

Circle the Wagons is perfect for those seeking a lightweight, yet strategically deep game that can be played in a short amount of time. It’s ideal for couples, travelers, or anyone looking for a quick and engaging gaming experience. The game’s portability and ease of learning make it a great addition to any board game collection, particularly for fans of drafting and city-building mechanics.

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