Nuns on the Run (2010) Board Game

Nuns on the Run is a board game that was released in in 2010. Designed by Jared Blando and Jacob Chabot, this game involves bluffing, deduction, and humor with a religious theme. The game is published by Mayfair Games and is suitable for players aged 10 and above. With a mix of dice rolling, hidden movement, line of sight, paper-and-pencil, and pick-up and deliver mechanics, Nuns on the Run offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Nuns on the Run

Game board depicting an abbey

Novice player tokens and character cards

Guard player tokens and patrol path cards

Secret wish cards

Key tokens

Noise and vanished tokens

Blessing cards (once-per-game super powers)

Movement sheets for novice players

How To Setup Nuns on the Run

Setting up the game is relatively quick and easy. First, the game board is laid out, representing the abbey. Each novice player chooses a character and receives a movement sheet and a secret wish card. The guard players select their patrol paths, which are public knowledge. Each player, including the guards, receives a Blessing card. The game is ready to start once all components are distributed and the initial positions are set.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hidden Movement: Novice players write their movements on a sheet of paper, keeping their actions secret from other players and the guards.

Patrol Paths: Guard players follow predefined paths, which are public knowledge.

Line-of-Sight Rules: Guards can spot novices if they are in their line of sight.

Noise Mechanic: Novices can make noise, alerting guards to their presence.

Objective: The first novice to find the key, retrieve their secret wish, and return to their bedroom wins. If no novice succeeds before the 15th turn, the guards win.

Guard Victory Conditions: Guards win if they catch the novices a specified number of times or if the sun comes up before any novice achieves their goal.

Player Experience

Playing **Nuns on the Run** is a fun and casual experience, ideal for social gatherings. The game is competitive but not antagonistic, as each novice focuses on their own mission rather than directly interacting with other players. However, the actions of other novices can indirectly affect the game by distracting the guards. The secret movement mechanic adds a layer of excitement and strategy, as players must carefully plan their moves to avoid detection.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The basic rules are straightforward and simple to explain.

Quick Setup: Setting up the game is fast and hassle-free.

Social Interaction: Encourages social engagement and teamwork among novice players.

Strategic Depth: Offers a good balance of strategy and luck, especially for the guard players.

Theme and Atmosphere: The theme of sneaking around an abbey at night adds a unique and entertaining twist.

Cons

Rule Ambiguities: Some rules, such as the use of Blessing cards, are poorly worded or ambiguous.

Limited Guard Flexibility: Guards are initially locked into their chosen patrol paths, which can feel restrictive.

Length: The game can sometimes feel a bit long, especially if no novice achieves their goal before the 15th turn.

Personal Thoughts on Nuns on the Run

**Nuns on the Run** is perfect for casual game nights with friends or family, particularly those who enjoy social and strategic games. It is suitable for players aged 10 and older, making it a good option for families. The game’s unique mechanics and theme provide a fun and engaging experience, although it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly complex or competitive gameplay. Experienced players might find the guard roles more challenging and rewarding due to the need for strategic planning and adaptation. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for those looking for a light-hearted, entertaining game.

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