Love Letter (2019) Board Game

Love Letter is a card game that was first released in 2019 by Z-Man Games. The game was designed by Seiji Kanai and features artwork by Andrew Bosley and Samuel R. Shimota. Love Letter falls into the categories of deduction and Renaissance-themed games, and is best suited for 2 to 4 players, although it can accommodate up to 6 players.

Game Components of Love Letter

A deck of 21 cards, each bearing a character from the royal court, numbered 0 through 9.

Resin Favor tokens.

New characters in the 2019 edition include the Spy (strength 0) and the Chancellor (strength 6).

How To Setup Love Letter

To set up, each player is dealt one card, and one card is set aside face-down, not to be used in the round. The remaining cards form a face-down deck. In a two-player game, four cards are set aside, with three face-up to prevent strategic elimination based on the cards left in the deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Initial Hand: Each player starts with one card.

Turn Structure: Draw one card and play one card from your hand, resolving its effect.

Card Effects: Cards allow actions like guessing another player’s card, swapping hands, or eliminating other players.

Winning the Round: The round ends when the deck is empty or only one player remains. The player with the highest card or the last player in play wins a Favor token.

Favor Tokens: The game ends when a player accumulates a set number of Favor tokens (6 for 2 players, 5 for 3 players, 4 for 4 players, and 3 for 5 or 6 players).

Player Experience

**Love Letter** is a game that balances luck and strategy, making it accessible yet engaging. Players must keep track of which cards have been played to make informed decisions, adding a layer of memory and deduction to the game. The social aspect is also significant, as players need to read each other’s reactions and maintain a poker face to avoid giving away their hand.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it a great introduction to modern board games.

Quick Games: Rounds are short, lasting only a few minutes.

Strategic Depth: Requires strategic thinking and memory to play well.

Social Interaction: Encourages social deduction and interaction among players.

Portable: Ideal for taking to various social events due to its compact size and quick setup.

Cons

Luck Element: A significant amount of luck can influence game outcomes.

Targeted by Others: Players who gain an early lead can be targeted by others, making it difficult to maintain the lead.

Two-Player Experience: The game can feel less predictable and more chaotic with only two players.

Personal Thoughts on Love Letter

**Love Letter** is perfect for those looking for a quick, fun, and strategic game that can be played in various settings. It’s ideal for introducing new players to modern board games due to its simplicity and short gameplay. The addition of new characters in the 2019 edition, such as the Spy and the Chancellor, adds layers of intrigue without complicating the game. This game is a must-have for anyone who enjoys light, strategic gameplay with a social twist.

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