KINGs: TRICKTAKERs (2023) Board Game

KINGs: TRICKTAKERs is a card game designed by Nina and Ito Taichi, with illustrations by Joyple Games. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 2 to 5 players aged 10 and up. The game falls under the category of trick-taking games and features mechanisms such as once-per-game abilities, open drafting, and variable player powers.

Game Components of KINGs: TRICKTAKERs

Cards: A large deck with various card types, including character cards and trick-taking cards.

Characters: Multiple unique characters such as the King, Gambler, Berserker, Resistance, Adventurer, Collector, and Ruler, each with distinct scoring conditions and mechanics.

Crowns: Used for scoring and tracking player progress.

How To Setup KINGs: TRICKTAKERs

Setup involves dealing a hand of five cards to each player from a considerably larger deck. Each of the three rounds begins with a character draft, where players select their characters for the round. This character selection determines the player’s approach and unique mechanics for that round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Character Drafting: Players draft characters at the start of each round, each character having unique scoring conditions and mechanics.

Trick-Taking: Players engage in trick-taking, but with varying rules and objectives based on their chosen characters.

Scoring: Points are determined at the end of each round based on the character’s specific goals.

Game Objective: The overall objective is to accumulate the most points by meeting the unique goals of the characters chosen each round.

Player Experience

**KINGs: TRICKTAKERs** offers a highly dynamic and unpredictable experience. The game is quick to teach but can be overwhelming in theory due to its complex and asymmetric mechanics. Despite its complexity, the game plays rapidly, with rounds passing quickly. Players must make keen decisions about which character to choose based on their hand, making the character draft the most critical decision point.

Pros

Innovative Mechanics: The game introduces a fresh take on trick-taking with its asymmetric characters and unique rules.

Quick Gameplay: Rounds are fast-paced, making the game feel lightning-fast despite its complex rules.

Dynamic Experience: Each character offers a different approach, keeping the game exciting and varied.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be overwhelming due to its numerous and varying mechanics.

Limited Strategic Depth: The rapid pace of the rounds may not allow for long-term strategic planning.

Not for Everyone: The game’s uniqueness and complexity make it less accessible to players seeking more traditional trick-taking experiences.

Personal Thoughts on KINGs: TRICKTAKERs

**KINGs: TRICKTAKERs** is a game for enthusiasts of innovative and experimental game design. It is ideal for those who appreciate complex, asymmetric gameplay and are willing to delve into a game that pushes the boundaries of traditional trick-taking. While it may not be a game to be played frequently, it serves as a fascinating curio that can be broken out to entertain and intrigue fellow gamers and game designers.

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