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Claim (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Claim is a two-player card game designed by Scott Almes and released in 2017 by White Goblin Games. The game falls under the category of fantasy card games and features a unique blend of area majority/influence, auction, bidding, and trick-taking mechanics. With a runtime of 25 minutes and a recommended age of 10 and up, “Claim” promises a fast-paced and engaging gameplay experience for players.

Game Components of Claim

  • Deck of 52 cards:** Divided into five factions (Knights, Goblins, Doppelgangers, Undead, Dwarves)
  • No additional components:** Just the card deck

    How To Setup Claim

    Claim has a straightforward setup process. Shuffle the deck of 52 cards and deal 13 cards to each player. Place the remainder of the deck near the center. Flip the top card of the deck face-up to start the first trick. Players are now ready to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Structure:** Two rounds
  • Round 1:** Players take turns playing cards from their hand, with the winner of each trick taking the face-up card and adding it to their pile. The loser draws the top card from the deck.
  • Round 2:** Players use the cards collected in Round 1 to play new tricks. Each trick won in this round is added to the player’s score pile.
  • Faction Abilities:**
  • Knights:** Always beat Goblins.
  • Doppelgangers:** Can be played on any faction.
  • Undead:** Go straight to the winner’s scoring area in Round 1.
  • Dwarves:** Go to the loser’s scoring pile in Round 2.
  • Objective:** Win the majority vote from at least three of the five factions by having the most cards of those factions in your score pile.

    Player Experience

    Claim is a trick-taking game that offers more strategy than initially meets the eye. The game is easy to learn and quick to set up, making it ideal for casual or travel gaming. The faction abilities add a layer of complexity and strategy, requiring players to think about which tricks to win and which to deliberately lose to manipulate their opponent’s hand. However, the game can feel random at times, with the initial hand deal significantly impacting the outcome.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible to new players.
  • Portable:** The small box and quick setup make it perfect for travel.
  • Strategic Depth:** Faction abilities add interesting twists to the game.
  • Combination with Claim 2:** Can be combined for a team-based 4-player game.
  • Artwork:** The game features nice, colorful artwork.

    Cons

  • Randomness:** The initial hand deal can greatly influence the game’s outcome.
  • Luck Factor:** Some games may feel decided by luck rather than strategy.
  • Limited Player Count:** Originally designed for 2 players, though can be adapted for 4 players in teams.

    Personal Thoughts on Claim

    Claim is a great choice for those who enjoy trick-taking games and are looking for a quick, portable option. It’s particularly appealing to players who appreciate simple yet strategic gameplay. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking a game with minimal luck, its accessibility and the ability to combine it with Claim 2 for more players make it a solid addition to any card game collection. It’s an excellent option for casual gamers and those new to trick-taking games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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