Pies (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pies is a card game released in 2023, designed by Wendy Hollender and illustrated by Allplay. It falls under the category of card games and features a unique mix of open drafting and trick-taking mechanics. The game is designed for 3-5 players, with a runtime of around 20 minutes and is suitable for players aged 11 and above.

Game Components of Pies

Fruit cards: Used for playing tricks and collecting ingredients.

Plum cards: Received by the last player in each trick, can be used like any other fruit.

Special action cards: Allow players to steal fruit cards or call the dog to protect their fruit.

Dog meeple: Protects players’ pies from thieves.

Pie tokens: Used to resolve ties, adding 3.14 points.

Game box and rulebook: Includes all necessary components and instructions.

How To Setup Pies

To set up **Pies**, each player starts with a hand of cards. The game is divided into three rounds, each consisting of six tricks (five in a five-player game). The deck is shuffled, and cards are distributed evenly among the players. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-taking: Players take turns playing one card each into the trick.

Drafting: The highest-value card played gets to draft one card from the trick into their display. Other players follow in descending order, with the last player receiving a Plum card.

Special actions: Cards can trigger special actions to steal fruit or protect fruit with the dog.

Objective: Collect combinations of ingredients to prepare the tastiest pies. The player with the most valuable pie mixes at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

**Pies** offers a fast-paced and engaging experience, perfect for families and casual gamers. The game requires strategic thinking about which cards to play and when to use special actions. The interaction between players is lively, with table talk encouraged to figure out the value of cards. Each game lasts approximately 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for quick gaming sessions.

Pros

Quick gameplay: Games last around 20 minutes.

Family-friendly: Suitable for players aged 11 and above.

Strategic depth: Combines trick-taking and drafting mechanics for a fun and challenging experience.

Interactive: Encourages table talk and strategic planning.

Attractive components: Includes beautiful wooden pieces and a cute dog meeple.

Cons

Limited complexity: May be too light for experienced adult gamers.

Dependence on luck: The draw of cards can significantly influence the game.

Personal Thoughts on Pies

**Pies** is an excellent addition to any family game collection or for those who enjoy light, quick games. It’s designed for 3-5 players, making it a great option for small to medium-sized gaming groups. The game’s simplicity and short playtime ensure it remains fun and engaging without feeling overwhelming. While it may not satisfy the cravings of hardcore gamers seeking complex strategies, **Pies** is a delightful and tasty treat for a casual game night.

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