Jin Li (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Jin Li is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2010. Designed by Néstor Romeral Andrés and featuring artwork by nestorgames, the game is centered around grid movement and tile placement mechanics. With a playing time of around 15 minutes and suitable for players aged 6 and above, Jin Li is a game that challenges players’ strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

Game Components of Jin Li

2 plastic fish pieces per player

A 7×7 grid board laid over a soothing water background

Stones that can be placed on the grid

Instructions (though they can be somewhat cumbersome as they are rolled up inside a canvas zipper).

How To Setup Jin Li

To set up Jin Li, each player chooses two fish pieces and places them in the corners of the 7×7 grid. The grid, which appears as a mousepad with the playing area screen-printed on it, is laid out. No initial stones are placed on the board. Players are ready to start once their fish are positioned.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to score points by moving your fish to be adjacent to other fish.

Movement Mechanics: Players can move one fish per turn or place a stone on the grid.

Jumping Mechanics: Fish can jump over a single stone but not over another fish or multiple stones.

Scoring: Points are scored when a moved fish is adjacent to other fish. Each adjacent fish awards one point.

Player Experience

Jin Li offers a strategic yet simple gameplay experience. Players need to navigate their fish through the grid, using stones to either aid their movement or block their opponents. The game requires thoughtful planning to maximize the adjacency of the fish, which is key to scoring points. It is a filler game, ideal for passing time between longer games, and is praised for its strategic depth despite its simple rules.

Pros

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Quick Gameplay: Games are typically short, making it a great filler game.

Strategic Depth: The use of stones adds a layer of complexity and strategy.

Wholesome Theme: The game features friendly fish, making it a family-friendly option.

Cons

Availability: Not easily available in the United States, primarily printed in Spain.

Component Issues: The board and instructions can be prone to not laying flat due to being rolled up.

Limited Engagement: It is not a game that would be the main event but rather something to play while waiting for other games.

Personal Thoughts on Jin Li

Jin Li is for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a quick, engaging filler game. It’s perfect for casual gamers who want something light but still challenging. While it may not be the centerpiece of a game night, it serves well as an interlude between more extensive games. Its simplicity and strategic elements make it a nice addition to any board game collection.

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