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Five Crowns (1996) Board Game

ByMichail

Five Crowns is a popular card game that was designed by Marsha J. Falco and first released in in 1996. It is published by Set Enterprises, Inc. The game is a unique twist on traditional rummy games, with players trying to create runs and sets of cards in order to score points. Five Crowns has become a beloved classic in the card game world, known for its easy-to-learn rules and engaging gameplay.

Game Components of Five Crowns

  • Deck:** A special double deck containing five suits: spades, clubs, hearts, diamonds, and stars. The deck has no aces or 2s and includes two of every card, along with jokers.
  • Cards:** 116 cards in total, with each number card valued at its face value, and face cards valued as follows: Jacks (11 points), Queens (12 points), Kings (13 points), and Jokers (50 points).
  • Wild Cards:** The wild card changes each round, starting with 3s in the first round, 4s in the second, and so on until Kings are wild in the final round.

    How To Setup Five Crowns

    To set up Five Crowns, shuffle the entire deck and deal the cards according to the round number. For example, in the first round, each player is dealt three cards. The remaining cards form a draw pile, and the top card is turned over to start the discard pile. The player to the dealer’s left goes first.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Rounds:** The game consists of eleven rounds, with the number of cards dealt increasing each round from three to thirteen.
  • Card Collection:** Players draw cards from either the draw pile or the discard pile and discard one card to maintain the hand size.
  • Books and Runs:** Players aim to form sets (books) and sequences (runs) to lay down and score zero points for those cards. The game ends after the eleventh round, and the player with the lowest total score wins.
  • Wild Cards:** Each round has a specific wild card, and Jokers are always wild.
  • Scoring:** Points are calculated based on the cards left in a player’s hand that are not part of books or runs. The highest possible score is 968 (excluding Jokers) or 1225 (including Jokers).

    Player Experience

    Five Crowns is praised for its ease of learning and addictive gameplay, making it a great family game suitable for all ages. Players enjoy the interaction and the strategic challenge of forming books and runs. The game is also versatile, allowing play with 1 to 7 players, and can even be played solo with a special solitaire version.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible to younger players and seniors alike.
  • Addictive Gameplay:** The rotating wild card and increasing hand size keep the game exciting.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for small and larger groups, making it a great get-together activity.
  • Strategic Depth:** Combines elements of Rummy and Phase 10, offering a challenging yet fun experience.

    Cons

  • Value for Money:** Some players find the game overpriced for what is essentially two decks of cards.
  • Math Involved:** Players need to keep track of points, which can be a minor hassle.

    Personal Thoughts on Five Crowns

    Five Crowns is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun, interactive card game that appeals to a wide age range. It’s perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or even solo play with its solitaire version. The game’s unique mechanics and rotating wild cards ensure that each round is different, keeping players engaged and eager for more. If you’re a fan of card games or looking to introduce your family to a new favorite, Five Crowns is definitely worth considering.

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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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