Enemy Anemone (2023) Board Game

Enemy Anemone is a card game designed by Rob Turpin and released in in 2023. It is a trick-taking game where players try to outsmart their opponents by playing the right cards at the right time. The game is designed for 2 to 6 players, with the best player count being 2 or 4. With a runtime of 20 to 40 minutes, it is a quick and engaging game suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Enemy Anemone

Cards with numbers and suits

Illustrations by Rob Turpin

High-quality card stock

No trumps or trump suits

How To Setup Enemy Anemone

To set up the game, players shuffle the deck and deal the cards evenly among the players. The exact number of cards dealt can vary depending on the number of players. The start player is determined, and the game begins with this player playing the first card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Must-not-follow trick-taking: Players must play a card in a suit that has not yet been played in the current trick.

No trumps or trump suits: The highest-value card in a valid suit wins the trick.

Objective: Win tricks by playing the highest-value card in a suit not already played.

Additional mechanisms: Strategies evolve as players adapt to not following suits, making it a dynamic game.

Player Experience

Enemy Anemone offers a unique and engaging experience, especially for those familiar with traditional trick-taking games. The “must-not-follow” mechanic challenges players to rethink their strategies, making it both simple to learn and complex to master. The game is visually appealing, with gorgeous black-and-white illustrations and colored suits that add to its aesthetic. It is highly flexible, playing well with any number of players from 2 to 6.

Pros

Flexible player count: Works well with 2-6 players.

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

Deep gameplay: Evolves with each game, encouraging new strategies.

Visual appeal: Beautiful illustrations and card design.

Adaptive strategies: Keeps the game fresh and challenging.

Cons

Thin thematic skin: Lack of a strong theme may not appeal to some players.

Relearning required: Players accustomed to traditional trick-taking games may find it hard to adjust to the “must-not-follow” rule.

Personal Thoughts on Enemy Anemone

Enemy Anemone is ideal for those looking to dive into trick-taking games with a fresh twist. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, and experienced players seeking a new challenge. The game’s ability to adapt to different player counts and its evolving strategies make it a great addition to any game collection. While it may lack a strong theme, its simplicity and visual appeal more than make up for it, offering a fun and engaging experience for all players involved.

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