Fences (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Fences is a board game first released in 2018, designed by Andrew Sallwasser and published by Bearded Board Games. It falls under the farming category and incorporates tile placement and enclosure mechanics. The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players and has a runtime of approximately 40 minutes.

Game Components of Fences

Tiles: Used for building fields and enclosing animals.

Barns: Control markers placed in fields to score points.

Farmer Cards: Unique cards with different scoring agendas for each player.

Score Track: Located on the inside of the box bottom.

How To Setup Fences

To set up Fences, each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding barns. One barn is placed on the starting space of the score track. Each player is dealt a unique farmer card, which is kept face up. The tiles are shuffled and placed face down, with each player receiving two tiles to keep hidden. A starting player is selected, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players place one tile from their hand into the playing area, ensuring fences match up.

Enclosure: Completing a field with fences triggers scoring.

Barn Placement: Players can place a barn in a connected area on the tile.

Scoring: Points are awarded for animals enclosed in fields, with bonuses for single-type animal enclosures.

Farmer Cards: Unique scoring agendas allow players to score for fields they don’t own under certain conditions.

Objective: The player with the most points, earned from enclosing and scoring fields, wins the game.

Player Experience

In Fences, players take on the roles of farmers aiming to grow their farms efficiently. The game is streamlined, focusing on enclosing fields and scoring points, making it more approachable than games like Carcassonne. The farmer cards introduce variable player powers, allowing for interesting strategic decisions and a high degree of replayability.

Pros

Streamlined Mechanics: Easy to learn and play, making it accessible to new players.

Variable Player Powers: Unique farmer cards add replayability and strategic depth.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for kids and adults, striking a balance between simplicity and tactics.

High Replayability: Different farmer profiles and tile placements ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Component Quality: Some minor issues with text editing on the box, but overall components are well-designed.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Fences

Fences is a great game for families, beginners, and those looking for a lighter tile-laying experience without the complexity of more advanced games. It offers a nice balance between strategy and simplicity, making it an excellent addition to any game collection. The unique farmer cards and the ability to score for other players’ fields add a layer of social interaction and tactical thinking that enhances the overall gaming experience. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to grasp but still challenging and fun, Fences is definitely worth considering.

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