Matryoshka (2016) Board Game

Matryoshka is a card game designed by Sérgio Halaban and published by White Goblin Games in in 2016. The game is inspired by the traditional Russian nesting dolls, also known as Matryoshka dolls. Players take on the role of traders trying to collect sets of these dolls in order to score points and win the game.

Game Components of Matryoshka

70 Matryoshka Cards

5 Reference Cards

1 Rules Sheet

Optional Deluxe Edition includes:
– 28 additional Matryoshka Cards from 4 different artists
– 2 custom printed Matryoshka Meeples.

How To Setup Matryoshka

To set up the game, create the game deck by adding a specific number of Matryoshka sets based on the player count. Each set consists of cards valued from 1 to 7. Shuffle the deck and deal 6 cards to each player. The remaining cards are placed face-down in the middle of the play area as a draw deck. Players then select 2 cards from their hand to place in their Display (tableau), organized according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Rounds: The game is played in four rounds.

Phases: Each round consists of three phases – Draw, Exchange, and Display.

Draw: Players draw 2 new cards from the deck.

Exchange: The active player places a card from their hand face-up for trade. Other players make hidden trade offers, and the active player chooses one offer card to take into their hand.

Display: Players update their Display by taking all cards from their previous Display into their hand and creating a new Display with more cards than the previous round.

Objective: Players aim to collect the most valuable sets of Matryoshka dolls. The game ends after the fourth round, and players score points for consecutive cards in a row and sets of the same size of doll. The player with the highest total score wins.

Player Experience

**Matryoshka** offers a simple yet strategic gameplay experience. Players need to manage their hand effectively and make tactical trade decisions to gather valuable sets of Matryoshka dolls. The game’s dynamic Display phase allows players to adapt their strategy each round, making it engaging and challenging. The set collection mechanic and the theme of Russian nesting dolls add a unique and enjoyable twist to the game.

Pros

Simple and fast gameplay

Strategic options and tactical trade decisions

Dynamic Display phase allows for adaptive strategy

Unique theme based on Russian nesting dolls

Suitable for a quick, yet strategic game session.

Cons

Limited player count (3-5 players)

May not be as complex or deep for experienced gamers

Some players might find the repetition of the rounds slightly monotonous.

Personal Thoughts on Matryoshka

**Matryoshka** is an excellent choice for those who enjoy set collection games and are looking for a game that is easy to learn but offers depth in strategy. It is particularly suitable for families or casual gamers who want a game that can be played in about 20 minutes. For fans of Russian nesting dolls, the theme adds an extra layer of charm and engagement. However, experienced gamers seeking more complexity might find **Matryoshka** a bit light.

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