CLEVER (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

CLEVER is a board game released in 2014, designed by Jason Santa Maria. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Card Game, Children’s Game, and Educational. The game focuses on hand management and pattern recognition mechanics, making it a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of CLEVER

Score sheets for each player

Pens

Six colored dice (yellow, green, blue, orange, purple, and white)

A silver platter for discarded dice

Bonus icons and markers (including foxes and +1 tokens).

How To Setup CLEVER

Setup is straightforward: each player receives a score sheet and a pen. The game starts with one player rolling the six colored dice. There is no board; the score sheets are the primary game component.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll-and-Write Mechanics: Players roll dice and mark off corresponding areas on their score sheets.

Dice Selection: The active player rolls the dice, selects one to use, and sets aside lower-value dice on the silver platter.

Re-rolls and Bonuses: Players can earn re-rolls, use a +1 token to reuse a die, and mark off specific areas on their sheets based on the dice values.

Passive Player Involvement: Non-active players choose a die from the platter to use on their own sheets.

Game Objective: The goal is to score the most points by strategically marking off areas on the score sheet across different colored sections (yellow, green, blue, orange, and purple) and utilizing bonuses like foxes.

Player Experience

The game offers a engaging and strategic experience with quick gameplay. Each round involves active and passive player turns, keeping everyone involved. While the game is simple to learn, it requires thoughtful decision-making to maximize scores. The game duration varies with the number of players: 4 rounds for 4 players, 5 rounds for 3 players, and 6 rounds for 2 or solo play.

Pros

Quick to Play: Games are typically short, lasting around 20 minutes.

High Replayability: The game offers a lot of strategic depth and different scoring opportunities.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Portable: The game is compact and great for travel.

Accessible: Suitable for players aged 8+ and appealing to both new and seasoned gamers.

Cons

Aesthetic: The game lacks a theme and has a minimalist design.

Calculations: There is some addition required at the end of the game.

Downtime: In games with more players, there can be periods where non-active players wait for their turn.

Personal Thoughts on CLEVER

**Ganz Schön Clever** is ideal for players who enjoy puzzles and strategic planning. It is a great option for those looking for a quick, yet intellectually stimulating game. The game’s simplicity and depth make it appealing to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to seasoned enthusiasts. If you enjoy games like Sudoku or are looking for a low-complexity, high-replayability game, **Ganz Schön Clever** is an excellent choice.

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