Orchard: The Card Game (2009) Board Game

Orchard: The Card Game was released in 2009 by HABA, a well-known publisher of children’s games. Designed by Anneliese Farkaschovsky and illustrated by Ina Hattenhauer, this cooperative card game is aimed at children aged 3 and above. It is a fun and educational game that teaches children about set collection and teamwork.

Game Components of Orchard: The Card Game

Cards: 18 different cards, UV coated, linen texture, divided into two 9-card decks.

Dice: 15 dice representing the increasing harvest.

Tokens: 2 tokens representing ‘rotten’ fruit.

How To Setup Orchard: The Card Game

Setting up Orchard is straightforward and quick. Players divide the 18 cards into two 9-card decks. The game starts with one of these decks, and once a game is completed, the other deck can be used immediately. The setup time is virtually non-existent, taking only a few seconds.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Harvest fruit (score points) by playing cards so that their fruit trees overlap other trees already in the orchard that bear the same fruit.

Gameplay:
– Play cards to overlap fruit trees.
– Use dice to keep track of the increasing harvest.
– Utilize ‘rotten’ fruit tokens to lay cards that wouldn’t otherwise be possible, but at a points forfeit.

Player Experience

Orchard: The Card Game is praised for its ease of learning and quick gameplay. Players find it fun and enjoyable, with a clever and engaging theme. The game is color-blind friendly and suitable for adults looking for a quick solo game. It takes up very little space, making it ideal for travel or quick breaks[5.).

Pros

Easy to Learn: The rules are crystal clear, and the game takes only a few minutes to learn.

Quick Gameplay: Games are completed in under 10 minutes.

Space-Efficient: The game has a small footprint, making it perfect for travel or small spaces.

Engaging Theme: The concept is simple but challenging to master, keeping players engaged.

Cons

Missing Instructions: Some copies may be missing instructions, requiring players to find them online.

Not for Children: The game is more suited for adults rather than children.

Personal Thoughts on Orchard: The Card Game

Orchard: The Card Game is ideal for adults seeking a quick, solo gaming experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy puzzle games and need a brief, engaging break. The game’s ease of setup and play, combined with its space efficiency, make it a great addition to any solo gamer’s collection. However, it may not be the best fit for children due to its complexity and the need for strategic thinking.

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