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Ingenious: Travel Edition (2006) Board Game

ByMichail

Ingenious: Travel Edition is a portable version of the original Ingenious board game, which was designed by Reiner Knizia and released in in 2006. The game has gained popularity for its simple yet strategic gameplay that appeals to a wide range of players.

Game Components of Ingenious: Travel Edition

  • Board:** A smaller, plastic board with indentations to hold tiles and holes for scoring pegs.
  • Tiles:** A different tile distribution compared to the original game, with 2 of each double tile and 3 of every other color combination.
  • Scoring Pegs:** Used to track players’ scores.
  • Player Racks:** For holding tiles, concealed from the opponent.

    How To Setup Ingenious: Travel Edition

    To set up the game, each player receives a rack of six randomly chosen tiles, which are kept hidden. The board is placed between the players, with the scoring charts visible to both. The youngest player takes the first turn, placing a tile next to one of the six colored symbols on the board. Subsequent turns involve placing tiles on any free space, ensuring each tile touches an existing tile or one of the special color start cells.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Category:** Abstract Strategy
  • Mechanics:** Hand Management, Highest-Lowest Scoring, Pattern Building, Tile Placement
  • Objective:**
    – Score points by creating lines of identically colored hexes.
    – The game ends when no more tiles can be placed or a player reaches 18 points in all six colors.
    – The winner is the player with the highest score in their weakest color.

    Player Experience

    Ingenious: Travel Edition offers a rich and strategic experience, despite its compact size. Players must balance scoring in all six colors while preventing their opponent from doing the same. The game demands strategic thinking and tactical planning, making each move a careful consideration.

    Pros

  • Portable:** Perfect for travel due to its small size.
  • Strategic Depth:** Encourages complex thinking and planning.
  • Quick Games:** Typically lasts around 30 minutes.
  • High Replayability:** Different tile distributions ensure varied gameplay.

    Cons

  • Limited Players:** Designed only for two players.
  • Complex Rules:** Can be overwhelming for new players.
  • No Team Play:** Unlike the full version, no team-based gameplay.

    Personal Thoughts on Ingenious: Travel Edition

    Ingenious: Travel Edition is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who need a compact and engaging experience. It is particularly suited for couples or friends who enjoy strategic gameplay on the go. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a game for larger groups or a simpler, more casual gaming experience. For those who appreciate deep strategic gameplay and the challenge of balancing multiple objectives, Ingenious: Travel Edition is a great addition to any board game collection.

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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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