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Gobbit (2012) Board Game

ByMichail

Gobbit is a fast-paced card game that was released in 2012 by OldChap Editions. Designed by Jean-Baptiste Fremaux, Thomas Luzurier, and Paul-Adrien Tournier, this game is all about quick reflexes and pattern recognition. With its cute animal theme and simple rules, Gobbit is a great choice for parties and game nights with friends and family.

Game Components of The Hobbit Card Game

  • Character cards (Bilbo, Thorin, Gandalf, Smaug, Bolg)
  • Numbered cards with colors and symbols (orc helmet, star, pipe)
  • Purple trump cards

    How To Setup The Hobbit Card Game

    To set up the game, each player is allocated a character from the book. In a three-player game, the good team consists of Thorin and Bilbo, with one player as Smaug. In a four-player game, Gandalf is added to the good team, and in a five-player game, Bolg the goblin king joins the evil team. Each player receives a hand of cards, and the game is ready to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Trick-taking:** The first player plays a card, and other players must play a card of the same color. The highest number in the suit wins, unless a purple trump card is played.
  • Card Distribution:** The winner of the trick assigns cards based on their character’s rules. For example:
  • Bilbo:** Assigns one card to himself and one to another player, discarding the rest.
  • Thorin:** Randomly assigns cards played in the trick to each player.
  • Smaug:** Assigns up to one card to each player.
  • Gandalf:** Similar to Smaug.
  • Bolg:** Assigns one card to another player and discards the rest.
  • Symbols:** Cards with symbols (orc helmet, star, pipe) affect players differently. Orc helmets wound good players or heal evil players, stars do the opposite, and pipes give a player an extra card in the next round.
  • Win Condition:** The game ends when any character has two wounds; the surviving side wins.

    Player Experience

    The game is simple, quick to learn, and fun, especially suitable for small family gatherings or as a warm-up before more substantial games. The gameplay involves strategic thinking about which cards to play to ensure the right character wins the trick and how to distribute cards effectively.

    Pros

  • Beautiful Art:** The game features nice fantasy artwork.
  • Simple Rules:** Easy to learn and play.
  • Fun Twists:** Unique character abilities add a layer of strategy.
  • Quick Games:** Games typically last about 30 minutes.

    Cons

  • Lacking Depth:** Some players may find the gameplay too simple or lacking in depth.
  • Unbalanced Teams:** The teams can be unbalanced, especially in games with fewer players.
  • Thorin’s Randomness:** Thorin’s random card assignment can sometimes harm his own team.

    Personal Thoughts on The Hobbit Card Game

    This game is ideal for those who enjoy quick, light-hearted card games with a touch of strategy. It’s a great option for family gatherings or casual game nights. While it may not offer the depth that hardcore gamers might seek, it provides an entertaining and visually appealing experience that is easy to pick up and play.

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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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