Guile (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Guile is a two-player bluffing and deduction card game released in 2013 by Terra Nova Games. The game is set in a medieval theme where players must outwit and outmaneuver their opponent to gain victory.

Game Components of Guile

4 Allies of King Arthur Knight cards

4 Pawns of Sir Mordred Knight cards

10 Influence cards

1 Cycle card

1 Turn card

3 Victory cards

Treasure cards for scoring.

How To Setup Guile

To set up the game, each player chooses a side: either the noble King Arthur or the nefarious Sir Mordred. The Knights of the Round Table, consisting of eight knights, are laid out face-up. Each player controls four knights and is dealt 4 of the 10 influence cards, with the remaining 2 cards set aside. Each knight is assigned a face-down influence card. The game is ready to start once the knights and influence cards are positioned.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting: Players manage and manipulate influence cards.

Memory: Players need to remember the positions and values of the influence cards.

Bluffing and Deception: Players use tactics to mislead their opponent about the influence cards.

Game Objective

The objective is to collect two treasure cards by winning rounds.

Each round, players take turns looking at or swapping influence cards on the knights.

After two rounds, the influence cards are revealed, and the player with the highest sum of influence wins the round and a treasure card.

Player Experience

**Guile** is a game that emphasizes reading and outsmarting your opponent. It requires strategic thinking and memory skills, as players must keep track of the influence cards and deduce their opponent’s moves. The game is not about immediate excitement but rather about the mental challenge and the “meta-game” of deception and deduction. Players must use their limited actions wisely to gather information and make strategic swaps, all while trying to bluff their opponent into misinterpreting the card values.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Encourages deep thinking and strategic play.

Quick Playtime: Games last about 20 minutes.

Simple to Learn: Easy rules but complex gameplay.

High Replayability: Different outcomes each game due to bluffing and memory elements.

Cons

Skill Imbalance: More skilled players can have a significant advantage.

Limited Actions: Players often feel restricted by the limited number of actions.

Not for Everyone: The game’s focus on memory and bluffing may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Guile

**Guile** is ideal for players who enjoy games of bluffing, deception, and deduction. It is a great fit for fans of abstract strategy games like Chess and for those who appreciate the mental challenge of outmaneuvering an opponent. While it may not be the best choice for players seeking immediate action or those who struggle with memory games, **Guile** offers a unique and engaging experience for those who enjoy strategic thinking and psychological gameplay.

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