Scan (1970) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Scan is a fast-paced card game that was first released in in 1970. Designed by Marvin Glass, this game is all about pattern recognition and speed matching. It is a party game that can be played by 2 to 8 players, with a runtime of around 30 minutes. The game has been published by various companies over the years, including Brohm-Parker-Spiele, Parker Brothers, and Parker Spiele.

Game Components of Scan

2 identical decks of cards: One deck has a tan border, and the other has a green border, each with 23 cards and distinctive markings in four quadrants (color, shape, pattern, and position).

Plastic card tray: A red plastic tray to hold the tan deck.

Cover card: A tan cover card to place on top of the tan deck.

Bluffo cards: Three green Bluffo cards, each worth two points.

Rules: Instructions on how to play the game.

How To Setup Scan

To set up Scan, place the tan cards in the plastic card tray with the cover card on top. Spread the green cards around the table so each player can easily reach them. This setup ensures all players have equal access to the green cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Pattern Recognition: Players must quickly identify matching patterns between the tan and green cards based on color, shape, pattern, or position.

Speed Matching: The first player to correctly identify a match touches the corresponding green card and keeps the tan card.

Penalty for Incorrect Matches: If a player incorrectly identifies a match, they are out of the round, and the winning player can take one of their cards.

Bluffo Variant: If a player believes a certain card is not in the green deck, they can place their hand on a Bluffo card. If correct, they earn the Bluffo card worth two points.

Game Objective: The player with the most cards at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Scan is a tense and exciting game that requires concentration and quick reactions. Players engage in rapid visual checks, often quietly placing their hands on the chosen cards, though occasional close calls can lead to more animated interactions. The game’s design mitigates reliance on a single skill by offering different design choices for recognition, making it more inclusive and challenging.

Pros

Engaging and Fast-Paced: Scan provides a thrilling experience with its quick matching mechanics.

Multiple Recognition Types: The game offers various patterns (color, shape, pattern, position) to keep gameplay interesting and challenging.

Simple to Learn: Easy rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Encourages Pattern Recognition Skills: Improves players’ ability to quickly identify patterns.

Cons

Colorblind Players May Struggle: The color recognition aspect can be challenging for colorblind players.

Dependent on Specific Skills: While the game mitigates this to some extent, pattern recognition is still a key skill required.

Personal Thoughts on Scan

Scan is ideal for those who enjoy speed and pattern recognition games. It’s a great addition to family game nights or gatherings with friends, especially for groups of 4 to 6 players. The game’s simplicity and variety in recognition types make it appealing to a broad audience. However, it might not be the best fit for those who prefer more complex strategy games or those who are colorblind. Overall, Scan is a fun, challenging game that can enhance your pattern recognition skills and provide entertaining moments.

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