Nokosu Dice (2016) Board Game

Nokosu Dice is a board game released in 2016 by designer Yusuke Matsumoto. The game is known for its unique combination of card game and dice mechanics, making it a challenging and strategic game for 3-5 players.

Game Components of Nokosu Dice

A deck of number cards valued 0 to 7 in five suits (0 to 6 in a three-player game with one suit removed)

A set of dice

A pool of central dice for drafting

How To Setup Nokosu Dice

To set up Nokosu Dice, each player is dealt a hand of cards and starts with a few dice (2 in a four-player game, 1 in a three-player game). A pool of dice is rolled in the center, and players draft dice to add to their hand. One die remains and determines the components of the trump suit.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-Taking: Players play cards or dice from their hand to win tricks, with the highest card/dice of the lead suit winning unless a card/dice of the trump suit is played.

Bidding: After playing all cards and all but one die, the face of the last die determines the player’s bid for how many tricks they will win.

Supertrump: A specific number value can become the supertrump, overriding the normal trump suit.

Scoring: Players earn one point per trick taken, but significant bonus points (10 to 30) for meeting their bid or declaring no tricks and winning none.

Dice Drafting: Players draft dice from a central pool to enhance their hand.

Player Experience

Nokosu Dice offers a dynamic and strategic experience, balancing the need to predict the outcome of tricks with the risk of bidding. The integration of dice adds a layer of unpredictability, making each game unique. The game’s design forces players to tread a tightrope between their hand’s capabilities and their declared bid, adding a thrilling element of risk and reward.

Pros

Innovative Mechanics: Combines cards and dice in a unique way, offering a fresh twist on traditional trick-taking games.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and risk management.

Engaging Gameplay: Keeps players on their toes with the unpredictable nature of the dice.

Community Approval: Highly praised by players, especially in Japan.

Cons

Availability: Can be challenging to find due to limited releases and high demand.

Learning Curve: May require some time to fully understand the mechanics and strategies.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 3-4 players, limiting its versatility.

Personal Thoughts on Nokosu Dice

Nokosu Dice is ideal for fans of trick-taking games looking for a new challenge and those who enjoy strategic gameplay with an element of luck. It’s perfect for gaming groups seeking a game that combines traditional card game mechanics with the unpredictability of dice. While it may not be suitable for very young children due to its complexity, it is an excellent addition to any board game collection for players aged 10 and above.

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