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Cursed Court (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Cursed Court, released in 2017, is a strategic board game designed by Lee Moyer and published by Atlas Games. It is a deduction and political game that challenges players to make calculated bets and bluffs to outwit their opponents and secure power in the royal court.

Game Components of Cursed Court

  • 24 wagering crowns: Four crowns for each of six player colors.
  • 120 influence coins: 20 coins for each of six player colors.
  • 6 score markers: One for each player color.
  • 36 noble cards: Four cards each of nine major nobles (Courtesan, Merchant, King, Priestess, Duke, Jester, Sorceress, and Assassin).
  • 1 first wager marker**.
  • Quad-fold game board**.
  • Rules**.

    How To Setup Cursed Court

    To set up *Cursed Court*, lay out the board and distribute each player’s components: four crowns, 20 coins, and a scoring marker. Each player places their scoring marker at “0” on the scoring track. Shuffle the noble cards into a single face-down deck and deal a face-down card between each adjacent pair of players. Assign the first wager marker to a random player.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Duration: Played over three years, each year divided into four seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter).
  • Bidding and Bluffing: Players place bets using their limited crowns and coins on noble regions or set regions.
  • Limited Information: Players share hidden information via face-down cards with adjacent players and access public information through face-up cards.
  • Coin Mechanic: Players can protect their bets by placing coins; a new player must double the existing coin stack to bump a bet.
  • Scoring: Points are awarded based on the appearance of nobles in the tableau. The player with the most points after three years wins.

    Player Experience

    *Cursed Court* is praised for its ingenious design that combines social deduction, betting, and strategy. Players find the game fun, beautifully designed, and easy to learn. The game is enjoyable with a wide array of players and offers a great balance of strategy and luck. The gameplay is engaging, with players continually deducing and scheming based on the limited information available.

    Pros

  • Beautiful Presentation: The game features gorgeous art, chunky coins, and an easy-to-understand board.
  • Simple to Learn: Players find it easy to pick up and start playing.
  • Strategic Depth: Combines strategy, social deduction, and betting mechanics.
  • Balanced Luck and Strategy: Offers a good mix of luck and strategic planning.
  • Awards and Recognition: Received the 2018 Major Fun Award, 2017 Dice Tower Seal of Excellence, and 2017 Father Geek Approved.

    Cons

  • Resource Management: Players have limited crowns and coins, which can be restrictive.
  • Complexity for New Players: While easy to learn, the game may require some time for new players to fully grasp the strategies involved.

    Personal Thoughts on Cursed Court

    *Cursed Court* is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with a social deduction element. It is perfect for groups of 2-6 players and offers a unique blend of betting, bluffing, and strategy. The game is particularly suited for players who like to scheme and deduce based on limited information, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

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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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