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Deal Me In (1988) Board Game

ByMichail

Deal Me In is an abstract strategy board game that was released in 1988 by Noraut. It is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up. The game involves hand management, square grid, and tile placement mechanisms, making it a challenging and strategic game for players to enjoy.

Game Components of Deal Me In

  • One 11×11 grid board with blank and bonus squares
  • 56 ‘playing cards’ tiles
  • 30 No Entry tiles
  • 4 playing racks
  • Poker chips in various denominations
  • 4 Joker tiles

    How To Setup Deal Me In

    To set up Deal Me In, each player starts with chips worth 150 and 7 tiles placed in their playing rack. The four Joker tiles are laid on the Joker squares on the board. The remaining tiles are kept in a draw pile.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics:** Set Collection, Tile Placement
  • Objective:** Players collect tiles to form poker hands on the board.
    – Each turn, players must lay at least one tile to form a legitimate poker hand or change one or more tiles at a cost of 10 chips per tile.
    – Tiles must extend existing hands on the board, similar to Scrabble.
    – Bonuses are scored by laying tiles on special bonus squares matching the tile’s denomination.
    – When a five-card poker hand is formed, a No Entry tile is placed at either end to prevent further additions.
    – If a hand covers a Joker tile, it is added to the player’s hand and can be replaced later.
    – Players take poker chips based on the value of the hand formed, ranging from 10 for a pair to 1000 for a royal flush.
    – The game ends when the tiles run out, and the player with the highest chip value wins.

    Player Experience

    Deal Me In offers a fun and engaging experience, especially for fans of Scrabble and poker. The game is simple yet strategic, making it accessible to a wide range of players. It is designed for 2 to 4 players and typically lasts about 45 minutes.

    Pros

  • Family Friendly:** Suitable for ages 10 and up.
  • Combines Skills:** Appeals to both word game and poker enthusiasts.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires planning and strategy to form high-scoring hands.
  • Quick Games:** Games are relatively short, making it a good filler or opener.

    Cons

  • Lightweight:** The game is considered lightweight, which may not appeal to players seeking complex gameplay.
  • Out of Stock:** Currently difficult to find due to its vintage status.

    Personal Thoughts on Deal Me In

    Deal Me In is perfect for families or casual gamers who enjoy a mix of word games and card games. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a game that combines strategy with a bit of luck. While it may not offer the depth that hardcore gamers seek, it provides a delightful and competitive experience that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players. If you’re a fan of Scrabble or poker, or simply looking for a fun family game, Deal Me In is definitely worth considering.

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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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