Linko (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Linko is a card game designed by renowned game designers Michael Kiesling and Wolfgang Kramer, known for creating popular board games like Azul and Tikal. It was first released in 2014 by AMIGO, a well-known publisher in the board game industry. Linko combines elements of hand management, set collection, and take that mechanics to create a fast-paced and engaging gameplay experience for 2 to 5 players.

Game Components of Linko

110 cards: eight sets of cards numbered 1-13, five Joker cards, and one Linko card.

The cards feature a sly lynx design, tying into the game’s title and theme.

How To Setup Linko

To set up Linko, remove the Linko card from the deck and shuffle the remaining cards. Deal 13 cards to each player and place the rest as a draw pile. Turn over the top six cards from the draw pile and lay them out face-up to the right of the draw pile. The Linko card is used to track whose turn it is, although it can be a bit fiddly to pass around.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their hand to get rid of all their cards.

Set Collection: Players collect sets of cards with the same number.

Snatching Mechanism: If a player plays cards that match the number of cards on top of another player’s stack and are of a higher number, they can snatch those cards.

Objective: The goal is to deplete your hand of cards while accumulating points from the cards in your scoring pile. Cards left in hand count as negative points.

Player Experience

Linko is a game that reveals its depth as you play it more. Initially, it seems like a simple filler game, but it opens up to show more strategy and tricks. Players need to keep a careful eye on their opponents’ collections and plan their actions accordingly. The game is newbie-friendly, making it accessible to both gamers and non-gamers, and it is particularly enjoyable for families due to its fast and portable nature.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that are easy to grasp for new players.

Strategic Depth: Reveals more strategy and tricks as you play more.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and up, including non-gamers.

Portable: Fast gameplay and compact design make it a great travel game.

Cons

Linko Card Fiddly: The Linko card used to track turns can be a bit cumbersome to pass around.

Dependence on Opponent’s Moves: Requires constant attention to other players’ moves, which can be intense.

Personal Thoughts on Linko

Linko is an excellent addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy quick, strategic games. It is ideal for families, casual gamers, and even experienced players looking for a light yet engaging game. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with strategic depth makes it a great choice for a variety of player groups. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to introduce to new players but still offers enough challenge to keep experienced gamers entertained, Linko is a great option.

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