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Little Devils (2012) Board Game

ByMichail

Little Devils is a card game designed by Michael Feldkötter and published by Arclight Games in in 2012. It is a trick-taking game that can be played by 3 to 6 players, with the best experience being with 5 to 6 players. The game is known for its quick gameplay, lasting around 15 minutes, making it a great option for a short gaming session.

Game Components of Little Devils

  • A deck of 54 cards, each numbered from 1 to 54 and featuring zero to five little devils.
  • No suits, just numerical values and devil illustrations.

    How To Setup Little Devils

    To set up the game, the deck is formed by shuffling together nine cards per player, using the lowest numbers. For example, for three players, cards 1-27 are used; for four players, cards 1-36 are used, and so on. Each player is then dealt a hand of nine cards.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Number of Players:** 3-6 players.
  • Deck Formation:** Cards are shuffled and dealt based on the number of players.
  • Leading:** The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick. A player can play any card except a card with five little devils unless they only have five-devil cards.
  • Trick Completion:** A round is finished once all nine tricks are played.
  • Scoring:** Players count the little devils on the cards in the tricks they’ve won and add this to their running score.
  • Game Objective:** The player with the lowest score wins the game once one or more players reach 100 points.

    Player Experience

    Little Devils offers a simple yet engaging gameplay experience. It is similar to Hearts but without the complexity of suits, making it easier to learn and play. The game scales well from three to six players, with different dynamics depending on the number of players. For example, a three-player game allows for more calculated plays, while larger groups introduce more unpredictability. The game maintains high tension due to the clever distribution of devils among the cards, allowing for strategic decisions but also a significant element of luck.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible to new players.
  • Quick to Play:** Rounds are fast-paced and engaging.
  • Tailorable:** Adaptable to different group sizes and time constraints.
  • Tension and Twists:** Keeps players engaged with interesting decisions and twists.
  • Streamlined:** No extraneous game pieces, making the game feel quick and straightforward.

    Cons

  • Luck-Dependent:** The game can be heavily influenced by the cards dealt.
  • Repetitive:** May feel samey if played too much in one sitting.
  • Artwork Preference:** The “little devils” on the cards might not appeal to every audience.

    Personal Thoughts on Little Devils

    Little Devils is ideal for those who enjoy trick-taking games but prefer a simpler, more streamlined experience. It’s great for families or casual gamers looking for a game that’s easy to learn but still offers strategic depth. However, players who dislike games with a strong element of luck might find it less appealing. Overall, it’s a fun and engaging game that suits a variety of player groups and preferences.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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