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Diamonds (2014) Board Game

ByMichail

Diamonds is a card game designed by Mike Fitzgerald and published by Stronghold Games in in 2014. The game combines elements of hand management and trick-taking, providing a unique and engaging gameplay experience for 2 to 6 players.

Game Components of Diamonds

  • 60 Playing Cards, numbered 1-15 in four suits (diamond, heart, club, and spade)
  • 6 Vault cards
  • 6 Player Aid cards
  • 110 small clear diamond Crystals (1 point each)
  • 25 large red diamond Crystals (5 points each)
  • Rules (8 pages)

    How To Setup Diamonds

    To set up Diamonds, each player receives a Vault standup and three diamonds placed in front of it, known as the Showroom. The rest of the diamonds are set aside as the Supply. A randomly selected player becomes the dealer, dealing ten cards to each player. Each player also gets a “player aid” card explaining the Suit Actions. The dealer decides how many cards (0-3) to pass to the player on the left, and all players pass the same number of cards to their left.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Trick-taking:** Players must follow the led suit if they can.
  • Hand Management:** Players manage their cards to perform Suit Actions.
  • Suit Actions:**
  • Diamonds:** Take a small diamond from the Supply and add it to your Vault.
  • Hearts:** Take a small diamond and add it to your Showroom.
  • Spades:** Move a diamond from your Showroom to your Vault.
  • Clubs:** Steal a diamond from another player’s Showroom.
  • End of Round Actions:** Players who won the most cards of each suit perform the corresponding Suit Action. Players who did not win any tricks take two Diamond actions.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to collect the most points in Diamond Crystals. Diamonds in the Vault are worth 2 points each, and those in the Showroom are worth 1 point each. Large red diamonds are worth 5 points.

    Player Experience

    Diamonds offers a dynamic and engaging experience, especially for fans of trick-taking games like Hearts or Spades. The game is simple to learn but rich in strategy, with players always having something to do on their turn. The addition of Suit Actions and the secret nature of the Vault add an exciting layer of depth, making it challenging to determine who is leading until the end.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mechanics:** Suit Actions add a unique twist to traditional trick-taking.
  • Constant Interaction:** Players always have actions to take, even when not following suit.
  • Strategic Depth:** Balances luck with strategic play.
  • Secret Vault:** Adds an element of mystery to the game.

    Cons

  • Luck of the Deal:** The deal can significantly influence the game.
  • Component Quality:** The paper vaults are somewhat flimsy.
  • Theme:** Some players might find the lack of a strong theme a bit bland.

    Personal Thoughts on Diamonds

    Diamonds is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys trick-taking card games but is looking for something with a bit more flair. It’s perfect for families and casual gamers due to its simple rules and quick gameplay. However, it also offers enough depth for more experienced players to strategize and enjoy. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn, fun to play, and has a nice balance of luck and strategy, Diamonds is a great addition to your 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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