Filler (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Filler is a card game released in 2019, designed by Claire Donaldson and published by Green Couch Games. It is a deck-building game that incorporates elements of hand management, set collection, and simultaneous action selection. With a playtime of 20-30 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Filler offers a quick and engaging gaming experience for 1-6 players.

Game Components of Filler

Recipe cards: These cards display pastries, required ingredients, and potential victory points.

Chef cards: Each player receives three Chef cards of their chosen color, showing the ingredients each chef specializes in.

Reference cards: Used to keep track of game rules and player turn order.

Turn-order cards: Help determine the order of play based on the time shown on the cards.

Advanced recipe cards: Introduce special abilities and new challenges.

Personality cards: Used in the solo variant to create a competitive scenario.

How To Setup Filler

To set up Filler, shuffle the deck of recipe cards and deal 10 cards to each player. The rest of the cards are returned to the box. Each player receives three matching Chef cards and a reference card. Deal out recipe cards to the center of the play area equal to the number of players plus one. Determine the turn order by having players choose one card from their hand and laying it face-down; the player with the earliest time shown on the card goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Resource Management: Players manage ingredients to fill pastry recipes.

Set Collection: Collecting ingredients and completed pastry cards.

Hand/Deck Building: Using cards to complete recipes and gain new ingredients.

Blind Bidding: Determining turn order based on the time shown on the cards.

Game Objective

The objective is to earn the most points by creating pastries that meet the ingredient requirements on the recipe cards.

Players can fill recipes, restock their hand, or reserve recipe cards to prevent other players from using them.

The game ends when there are not enough cards to refill the recipe book, and the player with the highest total points wins.

Player Experience

Playing Filler is a fun and engaging experience, especially for those who enjoy quick, strategic games. The game combines the excitement of competitive baking with the simplicity of a filler game, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The multi-use cards add a layer of complexity that keeps players engaged without overwhelming them.

Pros

Quick Setup and Playtime: Ideal for filling gaps between longer games or as a quick evening activity.

Strategic Depth: Requires thoughtful resource management and planning.

Variety in Gameplay: Advanced recipe cards and special abilities add replay value.

Affordable and Portable: Available for under $15 and easy to carry.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to players seeking more complex or long-duration games.

Dependence on Luck: The blind bidding mechanism can introduce an element of luck in determining turn order.

Limited Player Interaction: While competitive, the game does not encourage direct player interaction beyond competing for recipes.

Personal Thoughts on Filler

Filler is perfect for those looking for a quick, enjoyable game that can be played in a short amount of time. It is ideal for families, casual gamers, and experienced players needing a break from more complex games. The game’s theme of pastry baking adds a charming touch, making it a great addition to any game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking intense strategic games or those who prefer games with more direct player interaction.

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