Half Truth (2020) Board Game

Half Truth is a trivia board game that was designed by Ken Jennings, a former Jeopardy! champion, and Richard Garfield, the creator of the popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering. The game was released in 2020 and has quickly gained popularity among tabletop gamers for its unique gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Half Truth

1 deck of Half Truth cards (500 trivia question cards)

1 Game Board

3 Round Trackers

36 Answer Chips

6 Player Pawns

50 Victory Point Tokens

Scoring Die

1 Rulebook

1 Deck Cover Card.

How To Setup Half Truth

To set up the game, players start by placing the Game Board in the center of the table. Each player receives a set of answer chips and a player pawn. The Round Trackers and Victory Point Tokens are also placed on the board. The deck of Half Truth cards is shuffled, and one card is drawn and placed on the question mat. The scoring die is ready to be rolled at the start of each round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Question Structure: Each question card has six answers, with three correct and three incorrect.

Answer Selection: Players secretly select one to three answer chips they believe are correct.

Scoring: Players move forward on the round track based on the number shown on the scoring die if all their answers are correct. Additional points are awarded for each correct answer beyond the first.

Game End: The game continues until a team or player reaches a designated point threshold, typically indicated by a red exclamation point icon on the scoring dial.

Player Experience

Half Truth offers a dynamic and challenging trivia experience. Players must balance the risk of submitting multiple answers to gain more points against the risk of including an incorrect answer, which results in zero points for the round. The game is easy to learn but can be complex to master, especially with its unique scoring system. It encourages strategic thinking and a bit of luck, making it enjoyable for both trivia buffs and casual players.

Pros

Inclusive Gameplay: Allows players of various knowledge levels to participate and compete.

Strategic Depth: The betting mechanism and scoring system add a layer of strategy to the game.

Educational Value: Players often learn something new with each question.

High Replayability: Comes with 500 trivia cards, ensuring many rounds of unique questions.

Cons

Complex Scoring: The scoring system can be confusing, especially for new players.

America-Centric Questions: Some questions may be more relevant to American players, which can be a drawback for international players.

No Team Discussion: In team play, teammates cannot discuss their answers, which might reduce interactive elements.

Personal Thoughts on Half Truth

Half Truth is ideal for trivia enthusiasts and those who enjoy strategic guessing games. It is a great fit for family game nights, parties, and gatherings with friends. While it may not be the best choice for a casual, light-hearted party game due to its complexity, it shines as an after-dinner entertainment option for intellectually inclined groups. The addition of team play in the sequel, Half Truth: Second Guess, enhances its appeal for larger groups, making it a versatile and engaging addition to any board game collection.

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