Karma (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Karma is a card game designed by Marsha J. Falco and published by AMIGO in in 2014. It is a game that combines strategy and luck, where players must carefully manage their hand of cards to avoid being stuck with the most negative points at the end of the game.

Game Components of Karma

Deck of Cards: Includes standard numbered cards and special Karma cards.

Karma Cards: Four types – Give the Pile to a Friend, Play a Table Card, Bottoms Up, and Five or Below.

Rulebook: A folded, double-sided sheet with setup instructions and rules.

How To Setup Karma

To set up the game, all the cards are shuffled together to form a single deck. Each player is dealt 9 cards: 3 cards face down in front of the player and 6 cards that the player decides to either keep in their hand or place face up on one of the 3 face-down cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Discard Pile: The first player starts the discard pile by laying a card or cards of the same value face up beside the deck.

Card Play: Players must play cards of the same or higher value than the top card on the discard pile. Doubles or triples of the same value can be played.

Karma Cards: These cards act as wilds and have special effects, such as giving the discard pile to another player or forcing the next player to play a card equal to or less than five.

Table Cards: Face-down cards can be flipped and added to the discard pile once all hand cards and the draw pile are empty.

Winning Condition: The game ends when one player is left with cards in their hand or on their table, making them the loser. Everyone else wins.

Player Experience

Karma is praised for its simplicity and fast-paced gameplay. Players find it easy to learn and fun to play, making it suitable for all ages. The game involves a balance of strategy and luck, particularly when dealing with the face-down table cards. It’s ideal for family game nights or quick games with friends, lasting about 20 to 30 minutes.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple mechanics make it accessible to all ages.

Fast-Paced: Games are quick and engaging.

Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, there is room for strategy, especially with Karma cards.

Family Friendly: Suitable for both kids and adults.

Multiple Winners: The dynamic of multiple winners adds a unique twist.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The outcome can be heavily influenced by the draw.

Bottleneck with Karma Cards: The game can get stuck if players are only playing Karma cards towards the end.

Strategy Limited: Some players find the strategy aspect limited compared to other games.

Personal Thoughts on Karma

Karma is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, easy-to-learn game. It’s perfect for teaching children about numbers and basic card game strategies. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay for seasoned gamers, its light and entertaining nature makes it a great addition to any game night. The ability to combine two decks to play with up to 12 players adds to its versatility, making it a great option for larger gatherings.

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