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Guillotine (1998) Board Game

ByMichail

Guillotine is a card game designed by Paul Peterson and first published in 1998 by Wizards of the Coast. The game is set during the French Revolution, where players take on the roles of rival executioners trying to collect the heads of nobles in order to earn points. With its dark humor and strategic gameplay, Guillotine has become a beloved game among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Guillotine

  • Noble Deck:** 50 cards with two Guillotine logos on the back, representing the nobles to be executed.
  • Action Deck:** 60 cards with one Guillotine logo on the back, containing various actions players can take.
  • Cardboard Guillotine:** A marker to indicate the front of the noble line.
  • Rules:** A set of instructions for game setup and play.

    How To Setup Guillotine

    To set up the game, shuffle the Noble Deck and the Action Deck separately. Deal five Action cards to each player. Place the top 12 Noble cards face up in a line from left to right, with the cardboard Guillotine at the right end to mark the execution point. Randomly determine the first player.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Structure:** The game is divided into three rounds or days, each with 12 nobles in line.
  • Player Turn:** On each turn, a player can optionally play an Action card, collect the first Noble in line, and draw an Action card.
  • Action Cards:** Allow players to move Nobles forward and backward, draw extra cards, add or remove Nobles from the line, and gain or lose points.
  • Noble Collection:** Nobles are worth varying points based on their notoriety; players collect these points by taking the first Noble in line.
  • Game Objective:** The player with the most points at the end of the three days wins.

    Player Experience

    **Guillotine** is praised for its simplicity and quick gameplay, making it an excellent introduction to card games for new players. The game is easy to learn and plays in about half an hour, making it a great warm-up or filler game. The thematic elements, while macabre, add a unique twist that can attract players curious about historical settings.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple gameplay mechanics make it accessible to new players.
  • Quick Playtime:** Games typically last about half an hour.
  • Portable:** The game consists only of cards and a small cardboard marker, making it highly portable.
  • Engaging Theme:** The French Revolution setting adds a unique and intriguing element.
  • Family-Friendly:** Despite the dark theme, it is suitable for players aged 12 and up.

    Cons

  • Some Cards Can Be Frustrating:** Cards like “Callous Guards” and “Information Exchange” can significantly disrupt gameplay and are often removed by players to improve the experience.
  • Repetitive:** The game’s simplicity can lead to repetitive gameplay over multiple sessions.

    Personal Thoughts on Guillotine

    **Guillotine** is ideal for those looking for a light, easy-to-learn card game that can be played in a short amount of time. It serves well as a “gateway drug” for introducing non-gamers to the world of tabletop gaming. While it may not be as kid-friendly due to its theme, it is a great choice for families with older children and for casual gaming groups. The game’s ability to be played quickly and its portability make it a staple in many gaming collections. However, players who prefer more complex or strategic games might find **Guillotine** too simplistic for repeated 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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