Mint Julep (2017) Board Game

Mint Julep is a card game released in 2017 by designer Hong Anh Nguyen and published by Button Shy. It falls under the categories of Card Game, Print & Play, and Racing. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. Players will engage in betting and bluffing strategies while participating in open drafting to outwit their opponents and cross the finish line first.

Game Components of Mint Julep

A deck of 18 cards

A folded rules booklet

Alternative Starting Order cards (optional)

Expansions: Win, Place, Show (4 cards) and Alternate Starting Cards (3 cards).

How To Setup Mint Julep

To set up Mint Julep, players start by shuffling the deck and dealing out the cards. Each game consists of three rounds, each round divided into three phases: drafting cards for your hand, betting on which horse you think will win, and playing movement cards to adjust the order of the horses in the race. The starting order of the horses can be rearranged using the Alternate Starting Cards expansion for added variability.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft cards to determine their actions for the round.

Betting: Players place bets on which horse they think will win.

Movement: Players use cards to manipulate the race, moving horses forward or backward.

Objective: The goal is to score the highest points by correctly betting on the horses and manipulating the race to ensure your chosen horse finishes in a top spot. Scoring is based on the horse’s starting position, finishing position, and the timing of the bet.

Player Experience

Mint Julep offers a quick and strategic gameplay experience, lasting between 20-30 minutes for 2-4 players. The game is suitable for players aged 8 and above. While it works best with 3 or 4 players, the rules can be a bit strained at the 2-player count. The game’s art, designed by Hong Anh Nguyen, is also praised for its quality.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are short and snappy.

Strategic Depth: Balances the need to grab necessary cards without giving opponents an advantage.

Variability: Expansions add more complexity and replayability.

Portable: Comes in a compact vinyl wallet, making it easy to carry.

Cons

Limited at 2 Players: Rules are less polished for two-player games.

Simple for Some: May not offer enough complexity for experienced gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Mint Julep

Mint Julep is ideal for those who enjoy light, strategic card games with a racing theme. It’s a great fit for families or casual gamers looking for a quick and engaging experience. The game’s portability and low cost make it an attractive addition to any board game collection. However, seasoned gamers might find it too simple and lacking in depth. Overall, Mint Julep is a fun, wallet-sized game that packs a punch in its small package.

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