Friesen-Törn (2005) Board Game

Friesen-Törn is a nautical-themed board game designed by Ingrid Hespenheide and released in in 2005. The game is set in the Frisian Islands in the North Sea and challenges players to navigate their ships through treacherous waters to reach their destinations.

Game Components of Friesen-Törn

70 large game board made of artificial leather

6 sail boats in different colors

98 sailing cards, numbered from 1-98

25 red counting chips

60 green victory points

8 red buoys (small hemispheres)

2 skate cases

Game rules in German and English.

How To Setup Friesen-Törn

To set up Friesen-Törn, players start by placing the large game board on a flat surface. Each player chooses a sail boat and places it on the board. The sailing cards are shuffled and distributed among the players. The red counting chips and green victory points are placed within reach of all players. The red buoys are placed on the board to mark boundaries or obstacles. Once everything is in place, the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics: Players use sailing cards to move their boats around the board, aiming to ram each other’s boats, similar to bumper cars.

Objective: The goal is to earn victory points by successfully ramming other players’ boats. Players earn a green victory point for each successful hit, while being hit from the back or side results in a red counting chip. The game ends when a player collects 5 red counting chips; the player with the most green victory points wins.

Player Experience

Friesen-Törn offers a fun and interactive experience, combining strategy with a bit of luck. Players must carefully plan their moves using the sailing cards to outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s pirate-like theme and the idea of ramming boats add a playful and entertaining element, making it suitable for players aged 10 and up.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The game’s unique mechanics and objective keep players engaged and competitive.

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it easy for new players to join in.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players as young as 10, making it a great family game.

Short Playtime: Games last approximately 45 minutes, which is ideal for a casual gaming session.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game’s simplicity might make it less appealing to experienced gamers seeking complex strategies.

Luck Factor: The random distribution of sailing cards can sometimes overshadow skill, leading to unpredictable outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Friesen-Törn

Friesen-Törn is perfect for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a light-hearted, entertaining game night experience. Its easy-to-understand rules and short playtime make it an excellent choice for introducing new players to board games. However, it may not be the best fit for gamers seeking deeply strategic or complex games.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.