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DOS (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

DOS is a card game that was released in 2018 as a follow-up to the popular UNO game. Created by Nick Hayes and published by Mattel, Inc., DOS adds a new twist to the classic card game by introducing a new set of rules and gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of DOS

  • 108-card deck
    – 24 Blue cards: 3 each of 1, 3, 4, 5; 2 each of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; 2 Wild cards
    – 24 Green cards: 3 each of 1, 3, 4, 5; 2 each of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; 2 Wild cards
    – 24 Red cards: 3 each of 1, 3, 4, 5; 2 each of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; 2 Wild cards
    – 24 Yellow cards: 3 each of 1, 3, 4, 5; 2 each of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; 2 Wild cards
    – 12 Wild DOS™ cards.

    How To Setup DOS

    To set up DOS, each player draws a card, and the player with the highest number deals. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals seven cards to each player. Two cards are placed face-up in the middle to form the “Center Row,” with the deck beside them. The player to the left of the dealer starts the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: Be the first player to get rid of all your cards and reach a score of 200 points.
  • Matching: Play cards by matching numbers or colors with the cards in the Center Row.
  • Single Match: Play a single card that matches the number of a card in the Center Row.
  • Double Match: Play two cards that add up to the number of a card in the Center Row.
  • Special Cards:
  • Wild DOS™ card: Counts as a 2 of any color, useful for forming Double Matches.
  • Wild # card: Counts as any number from 1-10 in its color.
  • Draw Two**, **Skip**, and **Reverse** cards: Similar to UNO, these cards affect gameplay by forcing draws, skipping turns, or reversing play direction.
  • Yell “DOS!”: When down to two cards, players must shout “DOS!” to avoid a penalty of drawing two cards.

    Player Experience

    DOS is designed to be simple to learn but offers a bit more complexity than UNO, making it engaging for both children and adults. The game is quick, with rounds lasting just a few minutes. It encourages strategic thinking, particularly in combining cards to match numbers. Players appreciate the educational component, especially for younger children, as it helps teach basic addition skills.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Simple instructions make it accessible to children and new players.
  • Quick Rounds: Games are fast-paced, lasting only a few minutes.
  • Educational: Helps teach basic addition skills.
  • Strategic Depth: More strategy than UNO, with decisions on playing single or double matches.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 7 and older, making it a great family game.

    Cons

  • Some Confusion: Some players find the rules slightly confusing at first.
  • Less Special Cards: Compared to UNO, some players miss the variety of special cards.
  • Dependence on Luck: The game can be influenced significantly by the cards drawn.

    Personal Thoughts on DOS

    DOS is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, quick game that adds a bit of strategy to the traditional card-matching genre. It’s particularly good for children as it helps with number recognition and basic arithmetic. For those who enjoy UNO but want something slightly more challenging, DOS is a great alternative. However, it may not be as appealing to players seeking highly complex or deeply strategic games.

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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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