Flinch (1903) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Flinch is a classic card game that was first released in in 1903. It was designed by Eugene H. Munger and A. J. Patterson. The game involves players trying to get rid of their cards in numerical order while also trying to block their opponents from doing the same. With a history spanning over a century, Flinch has become a beloved game for many families and gamers.

Game Components of Flinch

Deck: Consists of 150 cards numbered 1 through 15.

Player Hands: Each player starts with a hand of cards and a game pile.

Stock Pile: A face-up pile where players place cards they cannot play.

Face-Up Piles: Piles where players build sequences of cards.

How To Setup Flinch

To set up Flinch, each player is dealt a hand of cards and a game pile. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. Players also start with a stock pile and several face-up piles. The objective is to be the first player to play all the cards from their hand and game pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player to get rid of all the cards from your hand and game pile.

Playing Cards: Players must play cards in sequential order (1 through 15) on the face-up piles.

Stock Pile: Players can play cards from their stock pile if they can be added to the face-up piles.

Drawing Cards: Players draw cards from the draw pile if they cannot play a card from their hand or stock pile.

Muggins Rule: If a player fails to play a card when they can, another player can challenge them with “Muggins,” forcing the player to take a card from the challenger’s hand.

Breaking Stalemate: If no player can play a card, the first player who can break the stalemate must play a card.

Player Experience

Flinch is often described as a competitive version of Solitaire. Players enjoy the simple yet engaging mechanic of building sequential piles while trying to outmaneuver their opponents. The game requires minimal learning time, making it accessible to players familiar with similar card games like Skip-Bo or Dutch Blitz.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game mechanics are straightforward and can be learned in a few minutes.

Engaging Gameplay: The competitive aspect adds a fun twist to the traditional Solitaire format.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages and skill levels.

Portable: The game is easily transportable due to its compact size.

Cons

Limited Strategy: The game is largely based on luck and sequential card play, offering limited strategic depth.

Repetitive: Some players might find the gameplay repetitive after several rounds.

Personal Thoughts on Flinch

Flinch is an excellent choice for families or casual game nights. It’s ideal for those who enjoy simple, quick card games that don’t require complex strategies. While it may not appeal to players seeking deep strategic gameplay, Flinch remains a charming and nostalgic option that can bring a lot of fun and interaction to the table.

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