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Duck (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Duck is a card game released in 2020 by HUCH! Designed by Johannes Krenner, Duck is a quick-paced game suitable for 3-5 players aged 8 and up. With a runtime of around 15 minutes, Duck combines elements of push your luck and set collection mechanics to create an engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Duck

  • Three suits of cards** numbered 0 to 8, with three copies of each number from 1 to 7, and one copy each of 0 and 8.
  • Five life preserver cards** (also known as life belt cards).
  • Five beach towel cards**.

    How To Setup Duck

    To set up the game, place the discard pile in the middle of the table and put the remaining cards face down in a pile. Randomly select a start player to begin the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Playing Cards: Players can either play cards in a sequence (ascending or descending run of the same color) or play multiple cards of the same value.
    – A sequence must be at least three cards long.
    – Players draw a card after playing their cards.

  • Ducking: If a player believes they have the lowest total value in hand (sum of 10 or less), they can choose to “duck” to end the round early.
    – If correct, the player earns positive points; otherwise, they receive negative points.

  • Scoring: The game consists of five rounds. Players score points based on the life preserver cards and the highest value card in their hand at the end of each round.
    – The player with the most points at the end of the five rounds wins.

    Player Experience

    **Duck** offers a engaging and interactive experience where players must balance between playing cards strategically and taking risks by ducking. The game requires attention to the cards played and a bit of luck, making it enjoyable for players of various ages.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.
  • Strategic Depth: Players need to think ahead and manage risks.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 7 and above.
  • Short Game Sessions: Games typically last around 20-30 minutes.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor: The game involves drawing random cards, which can affect strategy.
  • Limited Player Count: Designed for 3-5 players, limiting its appeal for larger or smaller groups.
  • Negative Points: The risk of ducking incorrectly can lead to negative points, which might be discouraging for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Duck

    **Duck** is an excellent choice for families or casual game nights, offering a blend of strategy and luck that keeps players engaged. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy card games with a moderate level of complexity and a dash of risk-taking. However, players who prefer games with more control over outcomes might find the luck factor a bit frustrating. Overall, **Duck** is a fun and interactive game that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players.

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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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