Dealt! (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Dealt! is a card game designed by Katja Stremmel and released in in 2018. It is a game that requires strategic thinking and skillful hand management to outwit your opponents and emerge victorious. With a runtime of 30 minutes and designed for 3-5 players aged 10 and above, Dealt! is a fun and engaging game for players of all skill levels.

Game Components of Dealt!

Deck of cards with numbered cards and special cards (X card, Stop card, Redraw card)

Reserved cards (two per player, face-up)

Chips for tracking penalties

How To Setup Dealt!

To set up Dealt!, the oldest player deals out the cards, ensuring that players do not pick up their cards until the deal is complete. Each player receives a hand of cards and two face-up reserved cards. It is crucial that players do not rearrange their cards, as they must play the hand as dealt.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-Taking: Players take turns playing one, two, or three cards face-up in the center of the table.

Card Combining: Players must play cards that are next to each other in their hand.

Ranking Combinations: Combinations are ranked from solo to pairs, straights, and trips, with higher combinations beating lower ones.

Special Cards:

X Card: Acts as a wild card.

Stop Card: Immediately ends the current trick.

Redraw Card: Forces the winner of the trick to draw three cards.

Game Objective: The goal is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards. Each time a player is the last to rid themselves of cards, they must give up a chip. The game ends when one player has no chips left.

Player Experience

Playing Dealt requires a strategic mindset, as players need to think about how to use their cards efficiently without rearranging them. The game introduces unique challenges such as playing cards in sequence and utilizing special cards to hinder opponents or gain advantage. The gameplay is fast-paced, with each round typically lasting around 20-30 minutes depending on the number of starting chips.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The requirement to play adjacent cards and the use of special cards add a fresh twist to traditional trick-taking games.

Strategic Depth: Players must think ahead and plan their moves carefully to succeed.

Interactive: The game encourages direct interaction between players, especially with the use of special cards.

Quick Playtime: Games are relatively short, making it easy to fit in multiple rounds.

Cons

Learning Curve: The unique mechanics can be confusing for new players.

Luck of the Draw: The cards dealt can significantly influence gameplay, sometimes leading to unfair advantages.

Limited Strategy for Beginners: New players may find it challenging to develop effective strategies immediately.

Personal Thoughts on Dealt!

Dealt is ideal for fans of card games and trick-taking mechanics who are looking for a game that challenges traditional card play. It’s suited for players who enjoy strategic thinking and quick, engaging gameplay. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking a highly complex or long-duration game, Dealt offers a fun and interactive experience that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings.

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