Instinct (1998) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Instinct is a card game that was released in 1998 and designed by Ron Spears and Sonia Telesco. It is a game that involves hand management and trick-taking, making it an engaging and strategic game for players aged 10 and above. The game is published by Wizards of the Coast, known for their popular games like Magic: The Gathering.

Game Components of Instinct

5 suits numbered 1-12

6 trump cards

11 cards passed out to each player per hand

How To Setup Instinct

To set up Instinct, each player is dealt 11 cards. The game involves passing cards and bidding on the number of tricks players think they can take, similar to Oh Hell!.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Trick-taking
– Bidding
– Card passing

Game Objective:
– Accurately predict the number of tricks you can take.
– Earn points for successfully taking the predicted number of tricks.

Player Experience

Instinct is a game that appeals to fans of strategic card games. It requires a mix of luck, strategy, and social interaction as players must negotiate and bluff their way through the game. With a playtime of about 20 minutes, it is a relatively quick game that can be enjoyed with 3 to 6 players.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines bidding and trick-taking for a challenging experience.

Social Interaction: Encourages negotiation and bluffing among players.

Quick Playtime: Games last about 20 minutes.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand rules, making it accessible to new players.

Cons

Luck Factor: The randomness of card distribution can affect gameplay significantly.

Limited Replayability: Some players may find the game repetitive after several plays.

Personal Thoughts on Instinct

Instinct is ideal for those who enjoy trick-taking games and are looking for a game that combines strategy with social elements. It’s a great addition to any card game collection, especially for fans of games like Oh Hell or Bridge. However, players seeking games with less luck and more complex strategies might find it less appealing.

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