Lucky First Incense (2023) Board Game

Lucky First Incense is a card game with a humorous and religious theme, designed by Chih-Han Yang and published by Lilai-Lilai in in 2023. The game is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above. It features hand management, secret unit deployment, take that, turn order, and variable set-up mechanics.

Game Components of Lucky First Incense

Family cards x50

Temple cards x4

Family/Censer reference cards x10

Game flow reference cards x2

Censer cards x10

Incense markers x11

Blessing tokens x4

Amulet tokens (Victory Points)

Start player token x1

Waiting boards x10

Rulebooks x2 (English, French, Chinese)[4%.

How To Setup Lucky First Incense

To set up the game, each player takes their own 10-card personal deck, shuffles it, and draws a starting hand of 3 cards. The game is played over two rounds, each consisting of an Evening Phase and a Midnight Phase. The temples and waiting boards are set up according to the player count, as indicated in the rules. Players take turns placing cards from their hand onto empty positions on the waiting boards, with some positions requiring cards to be played face up or face down.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Phases: The game is divided into two phases – the Evening Phase and the Midnight Phase.

Evening Phase: Players take turns sending their family members to occupy the seats in front of the temples or offering incense to seek blessings from the Gods.

Midnight Phase: All family members rush to the front lines, competing for the opportunity to light the first incense and get the amulets (as victory points).

Card Special Abilities: Each card has unique abilities, such as the Dog tying with an opponent’s card, the Cat removing a card, and the Ancestor modifying an opponent’s card value.

Censer Cards: Optional advanced rules introduce censer cards that can be triggered once per game, providing special abilities to bolster a family member’s power.

Objective: The player with the most amulets at the end of the two rounds wins.

Player Experience

Lucky First Incense is a game of deduction and bluffing that elevates it above simple card games. Players must strategically manage their hand, anticipating which cards their opponents might play and remembering which cards have been played in the first round to gain an advantage in the second. The game is quick and easy to play in its basic form but can become more complex and challenging with the advanced rules involving censer cards.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines hand management, secret unit deployment, and bluffing for a thrilling experience.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8+ and playable with 2-5 players.

Quick Gameplay: Games last between 10-25 minutes.

Variable Setup: Each game can play differently due to the variable setup and card draws.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The basic game may be too light for serious gamers.

Advanced Rules: Adding censer cards can make the game slightly longer and more complex, which might not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Lucky First Incense

Lucky First Incense is perfect for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, quick game with a bit of strategy. The game’s unique blend of deduction, bluffing, and special card abilities makes it engaging without being overly complex. For serious gamers, the advanced rules can add a layer of depth, but the basic game remains an excellent choice for those seeking a light, entertaining experience.

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