Niche (2009) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Niche is an abstract strategy card game designed by Andy Hopwood and released in in 2009. It is a game that combines elements of pattern building, pattern recognition, set collection, and trick-taking. The game is suitable for players aged 6 and above and can accommodate 2 to 7 players.

Game Components of Niche

Number of players: 2-5

Duration: 20 minutes

Cards: Color and shape-based cards

Objective: Score points by creating long lines of cards

How To Setup Niche

To set up **Niche**, shuffle the deck and deal an equal number of cards to each player. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The top card from the draw pile is turned over and placed beside it to start the discard pile. Players then take turns drawing cards and attempting to create lines.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card placement: Players must place cards in lines, ensuring they do not follow a card with the same color or shape.

Line building: The longer the lines created, the more points scored.

Strategy: Players need to keep their options open and close down the opposition’s potential lines.

Game Objective

The objective is to score the most points by creating the longest lines of cards while adhering to the placement rules.

Player Experience

**Niche** offers a unique blend of simplicity and strategy, making it accessible to a mixed group of adults and children. The game is often described as “reverse UNO meets Sudoku,” but with less complexity. Players need to think ahead to block their opponents’ moves while building their own lines, which can lead to moments of joy, deep thought, and occasional frustration.

Pros

Easy to learn: Simple rules make it easy for new players to join in.

Strategic depth: Despite its simplicity, the game requires strategic thinking.

Family-friendly: Suitable for both adults and children.

Charitable aspect: £1 from each game sold goes to charity.

Cons

Limited replayability: The game’s simplicity might lead to repetitive gameplay after several sessions.

Dependent on player interaction: The game’s enjoyment can vary based on the strategies employed by other players.

Personal Thoughts on Niche

**Niche** is ideal for those who enjoy light, strategic card games that are easy to pick up but challenging to master. It’s perfect for family game nights or casual gatherings with friends, as it encourages social interaction and strategic thinking. However, players seeking complex, long-term gameplay might find **Niche** too simplistic. For fans of quick, fun games that offer a bit of mental challenge, **Niche** is a great addition to any board game collection.

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