L.L.A.M.A. (2019) Board Game

L.L.A.M.A. is a card game designed by Reiner Knizia and published by AMIGO in in 2019. The game is a fast-paced and easy-to-learn card game that combines elements of hand management, ladder climbing, matching, and push your luck mechanics. It has received critical acclaim for its simple rules and engaging gameplay, making it a popular choice for casual gamers and families alike.

Game Components of L.L.A.M.A.

A deck of cards containing 8 copies of the numbers 1 to 6, plus 8 Llama cards.

Black and white chips, where white chips are worth 1 point and black chips are worth 10 points.

How To Setup L.L.A.M.A.

To set up the game, the deck is shuffled, and each player is dealt 6 cards. One card is placed face up as the starting card. The remaining cards are kept in a draw pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Shedding: Players aim to get rid of their cards as quickly as possible to avoid accumulating points.

Turn Options: Each player has three choices on their turn: play a card that matches the top card of the discard pile or is one higher, draw a card, or quit the round.

Scoring: Points are assigned based on the unique cards left in a player’s hand at the end of the round. Each card value scores once, and Llama cards are worth 10 points.

Round End: The round ends when a player plays all their cards or all players have quit. Players score points for their remaining cards, and the first player to reach or exceed 40 points triggers the end of the game. The player with the fewest points wins.

Player Experience

**L.L.A.M.A.** offers a fun and engaging experience that is easy to learn but has a surprising depth of strategy. Players can enjoy it as a casual, party-like game or as a clever filler game. The gameplay is light enough to allow for social interaction, yet it requires strategic decisions to minimize points. The game’s short rounds and the ability to return scored chips add to its excitement and replay value.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers subtle and clever twists that require strategic thinking.

Quick Rounds: Games are fast-paced, with multiple short rounds that keep the game exciting.

High Replay Value: The game remains fun with frequent changes in player fortunes and different player counts.

Cons

Luck Dependency: The game has an element of luck, which might not appeal to players seeking more strategic games.

Simple Appearance: Some players might initially underestimate the game due to its simple rules and bright, casual appearance.

Personal Thoughts on L.L.A.M.A.

**L.L.A.M.A.** is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a quick, entertaining game to start their gaming sessions. It is suitable for players aged 8 and up and supports 2 to 6 players. The game’s compact size and travel-friendly design make it a great option for both home and on-the-go gaming. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking complex, deeply strategic games, it excels as a fun and engaging filler game that balances luck and strategy perfectly.

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