Idle Hands (2020) Board Game

Idle Hands is a card game that was released in 2020 by designer Fukutarou and artist MATSUDA

It is published by 梟老堂 (Fukuroudou) and falls under the categories of Fantasy, Horror, and Mythology. The game is designed for 3-4 players and has a playing time of 20-30 minutes. With its unique theme and gameplay mechanics, Idle Hands has garnered attention in the gaming community.

Game Components of Idle Hands

Deck of cards including mission cards and trick cards

Player boards for tracking progress and missions

Tokens for scoring and tracking points

Rulebook outlining the game mechanics and setup

How To Setup Idle Hands

To set up the game, each player receives a player board and a starting hand of cards. The mission cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The trick deck is also shuffled, and a set number of cards are dealt to each player. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-Taking: Players take turns playing cards, with the highest card of the led suit winning the trick.

Mission Completion: Players must complete missions outlined on the mission cards by winning specific tricks.

Hand Management: Players need to manage their hand carefully to achieve mission objectives.

Scoring: Each trick won is worth points, and completing missions adds additional points.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by winning tricks and completing missions.

Player Experience

In Idle Hands, players are immersed in a world where demons are vying to impress their underworld overlord by completing nefarious missions. The game requires strategic thinking and careful hand management to outmaneuver opponents. The unique blend of trick-taking and mission completion adds a layer of complexity that keeps players engaged.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of trick-taking and mission completion makes for a dynamic gameplay experience.

Strategic Depth: Players must balance short-term trick wins with long-term mission goals.

Thematic Fun: The game’s theme of demons conducting missions adds a whimsical touch.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and mechanics somewhat complex.

Replayability: The game’s replay value might be limited by the fixed set of mission cards.

Length: Games can sometimes be lengthy, especially with more players.

Personal Thoughts on Idle Hands

Idle Hands is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a twist. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that require both immediate tactical decisions and long-term planning. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it will certainly appeal to fans of trick-taking games and those looking for a game with a unique theme and engaging mechanics.

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