Seasons of Rice (2019) Board Game

Seasons of Rice is a card game released in 2019 by Button Shy. It is designed by Corry Damey and features artwork by Jerome Damey and Corry Damey. The game is themed around farming and players must strategically plant and harvest rice to earn points.

Game Components of Seasons of Rice

18 double-sided cards (Ancestors on one side, landscape illustrations on the other)

Each card features paths, farmers, houses, and buffaloes

Optional expansion: **Jasmine and Ginger**.

How To Setup Seasons of Rice

Players start by dealing two cards to each player, from which they choose one to be their Ancestor. The other card is flipped face-up and becomes part of the landscape. The remaining cards are then dealt to each player. Each player begins the game with a hand of seven cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Phases: The game is divided into two seasons: the Wet Season and the Dry Season.

Wet Season: Players simultaneously choose two cards from their hand; one card is added to their personal landscape, and the other is placed in a communal row for the Dry Season. Players exchange hands after each turn until all cards are placed.

Dry Season: Players take turns selecting one card from the communal row and adding it to their landscape. The game ends when the communal row is empty.

Scoring: Points are scored for completed rice paddies, with bonuses for houses, farmers, and buffaloes within the paddies. Ancestors provide additional scoring conditions or special abilities.

Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the game wins, having the most fertile rice paddies.

Player Experience

In **Seasons of Rice**, players engage in a strategic balancing act between building their landscape during the Wet Season and optimizing their scoring potential during the Dry Season. The game requires careful planning, as players must manage the cards they keep for themselves and those they pass to the communal row, potentially affecting their opponent’s strategy. The unique drafting mechanism and the diverse abilities of the Ancestors add a layer of replayability and depth to the game.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a rich strategic experience despite its small card deck.

Replayability: With 18 possible Ancestors, each game can have a different feel.

Unique Mechanics: The play and pass card drafting system adds a unique twist to the tile-laying genre.

Quick Rounds: Games are relatively short, making it an excellent addition to any game night.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for two players only.

Dependence on Card Draw: The randomness of the card draw can sometimes limit strategic options.

Simple Components: While the simplicity is part of its charm, some players might find the components too minimalistic.

Personal Thoughts on Seasons of Rice

**Seasons of Rice** is ideal for fans of tile-laying games and those who enjoy strategic, yet quick, board games. It’s a great choice for couples or for anyone looking for a competitive two-player experience. The game’s small footprint and low cost make it an attractive addition to any board game collection. However, players seeking games with larger player counts or more complex components might find it less appealing. Overall, **Seasons of Rice** is a delightful and challenging game that celebrates the intricacies of Cambodian rice farming.

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