Dice of Crowns (2016) Board Game

Dice of Crowns is a strategic dice-rolling game designed by Darrin Michelson and Kris Quistorff. It was released in 2016 by Thing 12 Games. The game is designed for 2-6 players and is best played with 3-4 players. With a quick runtime of 10-20 minutes, Dice of Crowns is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game features a combination of dice rolling, push your luck, and take that mechanics.

Game Components of Dice of Crowns

Dice: 7 six-sided dice, each with faces featuring 1 Crown, 1 Dagger, 2 Skulls, and 2 Scrolls.

Claim Tokens: Used to track players’ progress towards the throne.

Fate Tokens: Used in Advanced Play to manipulate dice rolls.

Crown Token or 3D Plastic Crown: Depending on the version, this represents the ultimate goal of the game.

Mint Tin Case: The game is packaged in a compact, travel-friendly case.

How To Setup Dice of Crowns

Setup is straightforward: each player starts with a set of dice, and the Claim tokens are placed within reach. No complex board or extensive preparation is required, making it easy to dive into the game quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Quick Play:
– Roll dice to secure Claim tokens based on Crown, Skull, and Dagger rolls.
– Crowns and Skulls can earn Claim tokens under specific roll conditions.
– Daggers can end a player’s turn or trigger the Grand Betrayal, distributing Daggers to all players.
– Scrolls allow players to manipulate other players’ rolls.
– The first player to acquire 3 Claim tokens wins the crown.

Advanced Play:
– The objective shifts to acquiring 5 Claim tokens.
– Fate tokens can be used to re-roll dice or force other players to re-roll.
– Additional rules include the distribution of Daggers among players and the Last Stand rule, where holding the crown for a full round is necessary to win.

Player Experience

**Dice of Crowns** offers a deceptively simple gameplay experience that belies deeper strategic choices. Players must navigate the unpredictable nature of dice rolls while making tactical decisions about when to re-roll, how to use Fate tokens, and how to manipulate other players’ turns. The game is designed to be engaging and quick, with matches lasting about 10-20 minutes.

Pros

Portable and Travel-Friendly: The game comes in a compact mint tin case.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Advanced Play introduces more complex strategies and player interactions.

Fast-Paced: Games are quick, allowing for multiple plays in a short amount of time.

Social Interaction: The game encourages alliances and betrayals, adding a social layer to gameplay.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game relies heavily on dice rolls, which can lead to uneven outcomes.

Limited Player Agency: Some players may feel that their decisions are overshadowed by the randomness of the dice.

Personal Thoughts on Dice of Crowns

**Dice of Crowns** is ideal for players who enjoy light, fast-paced games with a mix of luck and strategy. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the social dynamics of player interactions and the unpredictability of dice games. While it may not offer the depth of more complex board games, it excels as a quick, fun addition to any gaming collection. It’s a great choice for casual gaming sessions or as a filler game between more extensive gaming experiences.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.