Qin (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Qin is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2012. It is designed by Dennis Lohausen and published by eggertspiele. The game is set in ancient China and revolves around territory building and hand management mechanics. With a runtime of 30 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Qin can accommodate 2-4 players, with the best player count being 3.

Game Components of Qin

Tiles: Consisting of two squares each, colored in red, yellow, and blue.

Pagodas: Four different colors (black, white, green, and purple) assigned to each player.

Board: A rectangular grid representing the territories of ancient China.

Villages: Neutral spaces that can be claimed by players.

How To Setup Qin

Setting up Qin is quick and straightforward, taking only 1-5 minutes. Players start by placing the board, which features a grid of grassland spaces and villages. Each player receives a set of pagodas in their assigned color. The tiles, which are the main game pieces, are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players take turns placing tiles on the board, connecting them to existing tiles.

County Formation: When a contiguous area of at least two squares of the same color is formed, it becomes a county, and the player places a pagoda.

Large Counties: Areas of at least five squares of the same color are marked with a double pagoda.

Village Claiming: Villages are claimed by the county that touches them, with an additional pagoda placed.

County Merging: Joining two counties of the same color merges them, with the player having the majority of squares claiming the county.

Conquering Villages: Surrounding a village with more pagodas than its current owner allows a player to conquer it.

Game Objective: The first player to place their last pagoda on the board wins.

Player Experience

Qin offers a strategic and visually engaging experience, requiring players to think ahead and manage their territory effectively. The game is relatively short, lasting between 30-45 minutes, making it a great fit for those looking for a concise yet challenging game session. The low chance element ensures that strategy and area visualization skills are key to success.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and area visualization.

Quick Setup: Fast setup time makes it easy to get into a game quickly.

Visually Appealing: The use of colored tiles and pagodas creates a visually interesting board.

Low Chance: Focuses on strategy rather than luck.

Cons

Limited Player Interaction: Some players might find the interactions between players to be limited.

Repetitive Gameplay: The tile-laying mechanic, while strategic, can become repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on Qin

Qin is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games and tile-laying mechanics, similar to games like Carcassonne or Tigris & Euphrates. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy strategic planning and visualizing territory expansion. While it may not offer the same level of direct player interaction as other games, its focus on strategic placement and area control makes it a compelling choice for those who enjoy a more cerebral gaming experience.

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