Clans (2002) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Clans is an abstract strategy board game designed by Leo Colovini and published by Venice Connection in in 2002. The game is set in prehistoric times and incorporates elements of bluffing, deduction, and hidden roles. With a playtime of around 30 minutes, Clans is suitable for 2-4 players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Clans

Player cards: Each player is secretly dealt a card with one of five colors (red, yellow, blue, green, or black).

Huts: Representing villages, these are distributed randomly across the board.

Board: Features various terrains that affect scoring.

Scoreboard: To track points.

How To Setup Clans

Setup involves placing one hut on each space of the board, with the colors of the huts randomly distributed. Each player receives a secret color card. This process is quick, taking about 5 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players move huts from one space to another to isolate groups of huts.

Deduction: Players must deduce the colors of other players’ cards.

Bluffing: Strategic movement to mislead other players about your color.

Objective: Score points by having the most huts on a scored space, with scoring varying by terrain.

Player Experience

Clans offers a unique blend of strategy and deduction, making it engaging for players who enjoy abstract games. The game is relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes, and is suitable for players aged 10 and up. The low chance element ensures that strategy and player skill are paramount.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and deduction.

Quick Games: Lasts about 30 minutes.

Low Setup Time: Only 5 minutes to set up.

Awards and Recognition: Nominee for the Spiel des Jahres, 3rd in the Deutscher Spiele Preis, and Best Abstract Strategy Game of 2003 by Games magazine.

Cons

Complexity for New Players: May take a few rounds to fully understand the strategy.

Luck in Initial Setup: Random distribution of huts can affect initial gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Clans

Clans is ideal for fans of abstract strategy and area control games. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy games that require strategic thinking and minimal luck. While it may not appeal to players seeking a deeply thematic experience, it excels in its genre and offers a compelling challenge that keeps players engaged. If you’re looking for a game that tests your strategic prowess and deduction skills, Clans is definitely worth a try.

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