Simply Ingenious (2008) Board Game

Simply Ingenious is a board game designed by Reiner Knizia and released in 2008 by KOSMOS. It is a chit-pull system game that combines elements of push your luck and set collection. The game is suitable for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 7 and up. The game has received positive reviews for its strategic gameplay and engaging mechanics.

Game Components of Simply Ingenious

126 tiles, each with two colored symbols (21 of each color)

A hexagonal game board

Scoring charts

How To Setup Simply Ingenious

To set up the game, mix all 126 tiles face down, then draw three tiles and place them face up in a shared pool in the center of the table. Each player starts with a rack of six randomly chosen tiles, which are concealed from the other players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Number of Players: 2 to 4 players, with additional rules for solo and four-player partnership play

Tile Placement: Players take turns placing a tile on the board, ensuring it touches an existing tile or one of the special color start cells.

Scoring: Points are scored by creating lines of identically colored hexes. Each tile can score points in two colors, counting outwards in straight lines from each symbol on the tile.

Swapping Tiles: Players can swap their tiles if they hold no tiles of their current lowest-scoring color, refreshing their hand to six tiles.

Victory Conditions: The game ends when no more tiles can be placed or a player scores 18 in all six colors. The winner is the player with the highest score in their weakest color.

Player Experience

Playing Simply Ingenious requires a blend of short-term tactical decisions and long-term strategic planning. Players must balance scoring in all colors to avoid weaknesses, while also trying to limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities. The game’s unique victory condition, where the highest lowest score wins, adds a layer of complexity and depth, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game demands careful planning and strategic thinking.

High Replayability: With random tile draws and multiple paths to victory, each game is unique.

Simple to Learn: The basic rules are easy to understand, but the game offers deep complexity.

Portable: Available in a travel edition, making it a great option for on-the-go gaming.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: The random distribution of tiles can sometimes lead to unfair starting conditions.

Complex Scoring: Scoring mechanics can be confusing for new players.

Longer Games: Games can extend longer than expected due to the strategic nature and the need to balance scores.

Personal Thoughts on Simply Ingenious

Simply Ingenious is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a challenge that requires thoughtful planning. It is particularly suited for fans of games like Azul or Carcassonne, where tile placement and scoring strategies are key. The game’s portability and simple setup make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate a good strategic puzzle.

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