Mori (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mori is a card game designed by Beth Sobel and published in in 2023. It is a game that combines elements of dice rolling, open drafting, and trick-taking. The game is designed for 3-5 players, with a recommended age of 11 and up. The artwork for Mori is done by Allplay, giving the game a visually appealing aesthetic.

Game Components of Mori

Cards: Four suits, each with cards from 0-10, and additional X cards.

Dice: Custom black dice with faces corresponding to the suits and X’s.

Artwork: Designed by Beth Sobel, featuring interpretations of “Mori” as both the Latin word for death and the Japanese word for forest.

How To Setup Mori

To set up *Mori*, each player starts with two X cards in hand. The deck is shuffled, and cards are distributed evenly among the players. A stack of custom dice is placed in the middle of the table. The game round begins with each player rolling a die to determine the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-Taking: Players must follow the led suit unless they have a trump card or choose to play a die.

Dynamic Trump Suit: The trump suit is determined by the season sequence (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn), where each season is trumped by the next one.

Dice Usage: Dice can be played in lieu of cards and do not have to follow the led suit. They are weaker than any card but can win if no trump card is played.

X Cards: These cards can be played in any trick but are likely to lose. The player with the most X’s loses a point for each X, while the player with the second-most X’s gains a point for each X.

Scoring: Cards won in tricks and those left in hand are scored at the end of the round. The game ends after a number of rounds equal to the number of players, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

*Mori* is a game that takes a round or so to settle into, but once players understand the mechanics, it becomes deeply satisfying. The game is about strategically managing your hand to minimize losses and maximize gains. The integration of dice adds a layer of unpredictability and flexibility, making each round unique. The artwork, while stunning, can be challenging due to the lack of clear indications of the season on the cards, which can lead to some confusion.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The combination of cards and dice offers a fresh take on the trick-taking genre.

Strategic Depth: Players must carefully manage their hand and dice to achieve optimal scoring.

Engaging Gameplay: The dynamic trump suit and the ability to play dice instead of cards create interesting and varied gameplay.

Artwork: Beth Sobel’s art is characteristically stunning, adding to the game’s aesthetic appeal.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be confusing at first, particularly with the seasonal trump sequence and the use of X cards.

Card Legibility: Some cards, especially the yellow suit, are hard to read from across the table.

Learning Curve: It may take a few rounds for new players to fully grasp the game’s mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Mori

*Mori* is for those who enjoy complex, strategic games with a twist. It’s ideal for fans of trick-taking games looking for something new and challenging. While it may not be for everyone due to its unique and sometimes confusing mechanics, it offers a deeply satisfying experience for those who appreciate its intricacies. If you’re willing to invest time into understanding the game, *Mori* can provide a rich and engaging gaming experience.

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