Plums (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Plums is a card game designed by Matthias Cramer and published by Pegasus Spiele in in 2015. The game is suitable for 3-5 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. Plums combines elements of auction/bidding, set collection, and trick-taking mechanics, offering a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Plums

Fruit cards: These are the primary cards played during the game

Player hands: Each player has a hand of cards to play from

Small-box packaging: Reflects the game’s compact and portable design

How To Setup Plums

To set up Plums, each player is dealt a hand of fruit cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The game is ready to start once all players have their initial hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Play fruit cards: Players take turns playing one fruit card from their hand at a time.

Claim played cards: After all players have played a card, each player claims one of the played cards based on the card’s strength.

Objective: Collect sets of fruit cards to earn points.

Win condition: The player with the most points, earned from collected sets, wins the game.

Player Experience

Plums offers a refined aesthetic and easy-to-grasp rules, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The gameplay is snappy, ensuring a quick playtime that keeps players engaged. The trick-taking and set collection mechanics add a layer of strategy, requiring players to think carefully about which cards to play and when to claim them.

Pros

Easy to learn: Simple rules make it easy for new players to jump in.

Quick playtime: Games are short, making it a great filler game.

Strategic depth: The combination of trick-taking and set collection adds complexity.

Portable: The small-box design makes it easy to take on the go.

Cons

Limited complexity: The game may be too simple for experienced gamers seeking deeper strategy.

Luck of the draw: Card draws can significantly affect gameplay, introducing an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Plums

Plums is an excellent choice for those looking for a light, enjoyable card game that doesn’t require a lot of setup or commitment. It’s perfect for casual game nights or as a filler game between more extensive gaming sessions. While it may not offer the complexity that some gamers crave, its accessibility and quick playtime make it a great addition to any game collection.

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