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Pikoko (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Pikoko is a card game designed by Adam Porter and released in in 2018. It is a trick-taking and betting game that adds a twist to traditional card games by incorporating hidden hands and bluffing mechanics. The game has received praise for its unique gameplay and beautiful artwork by Reinis Pētersons.

Game Components of Pikoko

  • Game Design:** Adam Porter
  • Illustrations:** Reinis Pētersons
  • Theme:** Feathers, Peacocks
  • Mechanisms:** Trick-taking, Bidding
  • Number of Players:** 3-5
  • Playing Time:** 30 minutes
  • Recommended Age:** 10+
  • Components:**
    – Card deck with 5 suits ranked 1-12
    – Multi-suited cards
    – Trump cards
    – Betting tokens
    – Confidence cards
    – Peacock-shaped plastic card holders
    – Score pad
    – Rulebook in multiple languages (EN, FR, ES, NL).

    How To Setup Pikoko

    To set up Pikoko, each player chooses a color peacock or peahen and receives a set of betting tokens and confidence cards. Eight cards are dealt face down to each player, who then fans out their cards to create a peacock’s tail with the backs of the cards facing them. The top card of the deck is flipped over to reveal the trump color, unless it is a multi-colored card, in which case there is no trump. Depending on the number of players, certain cards are removed from the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Betting Phase:** Players bet on how many tricks each other player will win, except for their own hand which they cannot see.
  • Confidence Cards:** Players place a confidence card to predict which player will win the number of tricks they bet on.
  • Trick-Taking:** Players play cards from the hand of the player to their left, following suit if possible, and using trump cards to win tricks.
  • Scoring:** Points are awarded for accurate bets (2 points for exact, 1 point for off by one, 0 points otherwise) and correct confidence card predictions (3 points if correct, -1 if incorrect).
  • Objective:** The player with the highest score after three rounds wins the game.

    Player Experience

    Pikoko offers a highly interactive and strategic gameplay experience. The unique mechanic of not seeing one’s own hand but seeing everyone else’s adds a layer of deduction and prediction, making each round engaging and challenging. The game is light-hearted and fun, suitable for casual and regular gamers alike. However, it may require some time to wrap your head around the unique mechanics, especially for those new to trick-taking games.

    Pros

  • Highly Interactive:** Low luck, high strategy.
  • Great Table Presence:** Beautiful artwork and peacock-shaped card holders.
  • Simple Rules:** Easy to understand, yet challenging to master.
  • Suitable for Various Players:** Fun for regular, casual, and non-gamers.
  • Quick Gameplay:** Rounds are relatively short, making it a great filler game.

    Cons

  • Gimmicky Feel:** Some players might find the unique mechanics too gimmicky.
  • No Theme:** Beyond the peacock aesthetic, there is no strong theme.
  • Skill Level Differences:** Can be frustrating with players of varying skill levels.
  • Small Score Pad:** Some players find the score pad too small.

    Personal Thoughts on Pikoko

    Pikoko is ideal for those who enjoy trick-taking games with a twist. It’s perfect as an after-dinner game or a filler, especially for groups who appreciate strategic planning and deduction. While it may not be the go-to game for every game night, it offers a unique and engaging experience that will appeal to fans of games like Whist or Bridge. However, it’s important to ensure that all players are comfortable with the unique mechanics to avoid frustration due to differing skill levels.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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