Silver & Gold (2019) Board Game

Silver & Gold is a fun and engaging board game designed by Phil Walker-Harding and published by Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag in in 2019. It falls under the adventure and exploration category, offering players a unique experience with its innovative gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Silver & Gold

Treasure Cards: These represent the islands players are exploring, each with various rewards and challenges.

Expedition Cards: These cards display Tetris-like polyomino shapes that players must replicate on their Treasure Cards.

Score Cards: Used for tracking points from coins, trophies, and other bonuses.

Dry-Erase Markers: For marking off spaces on the Treasure Cards and Score Cards.

Round Card: Tracks the trophies available for completing rows of coins.

How To Setup Silver & Gold

To set up the game, each player selects two Treasure Cards from a hand of four and places them face up in front of them. The remaining cards are returned to the deck, and four new Treasure Cards are placed face up in the middle of the table. Each player receives a Score Card and a dry-erase marker. The Expedition Cards are shuffled and placed in a face-down draw pile. The Round Card is positioned in the center of the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Flip and Write: Players mark off spaces on their Treasure Cards based on the shapes revealed by the Expedition Cards.

Simultaneous Action: All players act at the same time, marking their cards according to the current Expedition Card.

Pattern Building: Players must fit the polyomino shapes from the Expedition Cards onto their Treasure Cards.

Game Objective

Complete Treasure Cards: Players aim to fill all the spaces on their Treasure Cards to score points.

Collect Coins and Trophies: Crossing off coin symbols earns points and trophies, which provide additional points.

Mark Palm Trees: Palm trees scored are worth points based on the number visible in the public offering.

Maximize Points: The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Silver & Gold** is a quick and engaging experience. The game’s simultaneous action mechanism ensures that everyone is involved at the same time, reducing downtime. Players must strategize to efficiently fit the polyomino shapes onto their Treasure Cards, balancing the need to complete rows of coins, mark palm trees, and find the elusive red “X” symbols. The game’s short playtime and easy-to-learn rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Quick Playtime: Games are completed in under 20 minutes.

Replayability: Dry-erase cards allow for countless rounds without needing new components.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, the game offers meaningful decisions.

Cons

Limited Variety: The gameplay does not change much between turns, which may not appeal to players seeking more complexity.

Analysis Paralysis: Some players might spend too much time deciding where to place their shapes.

Personal Thoughts on Silver & Gold

**Silver & Gold** is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, fast-paced game. Its easy-to-learn mechanics and short playtime make it perfect for game nights or quick sessions. While it may not offer the depth that hardcore gamers might seek, it excels in providing a light-hearted, engaging experience that is hard to put down. Designer Phil Walker-Harding has managed to create a game that is both simple and strategically challenging, making it a great addition to any game collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.