Fool! (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Fool! is a card game designed by Friedemann Friese and published by 2F-Spiele in in 2018. It is a trick-taking game that can be played by 4-8 players, with the best player count being 5-6. The game has a short runtime of about 15 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. Fool! is known for its simple rules and fast-paced gameplay, making it a popular choice for casual gaming sessions.

Game Components of Fool!

88 Playing cards (82 cards in four colors, and six of value “1”)

2 Overview cards

2 Fool discs

Paper and a pen for scoring

How To Setup Fool!

To set up the game, place the appropriate Overview card in the center of the table based on the number of players. This card indicates the number of Playing cards and Fool discs needed. Remove unused cards and place them back in the box. Shuffle the Playing cards and deal them evenly among players; each player receives 12 cards, except in an 8-player game where each player gets 11 cards. Place one or both Fool discs in the center of the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Shedding and Trick Taking: Players aim to empty their hands quickly.

Follow the Lead Color: Players must play a card of the same color as the lead color if they have it.

Shedding Colors: If a player lacks the lead color, they must play a different color.

Fool Token: The player playing the lowest card in a trick gets the Fool token and must sit out the next trick.

Wild Cards: The “1” cards are wild and adopt the lead color.

Scoring: A player who empties their hand scores 10 positive points unless they were befooled, scoring 0 points instead.

Game End: The game ends when a player reaches 80 negative points or when 10 positive points have been scored six or more times.

Player Experience

Fool offers a dynamic and engaging experience with its unique twist on traditional trick-taking games. Players need to balance the need to get rid of their cards quickly with the risk of becoming the Fool and missing a turn. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it appealing to both casual and experienced gamers.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The Fool token adds a fun and punitive element.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide age range.

High Replayability: Different player counts and random card distributions ensure varied gameplay.

Social Interaction: Players must pay close attention to each other’s moves.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck due to card shuffling.

Longer Games with More Players: Games can become longer and more complex with 7 or 8 players.

Personal Thoughts on Fool!

Fool is ideal for those who enjoy trick-taking games with a twist. It’s a great addition to family game nights or social gatherings, offering a balance of strategy and luck that keeps players engaged. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking games with deep strategic complexity or those who prefer games with minimal luck involved.

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