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Smile (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Smile is a card game designed by Atha Kanaani and published by Z-Man Games in in 2017. It is a fun and exciting game that combines elements of auction/bidding, closed economy auction, increase value of unchosen resources, and push your luck mechanics. The game is suitable for 3–5 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. Smile has gained popularity among families and casual gamers looking for a light-hearted and engaging gaming experience.

Game Components of Smile

  • Creature cards** featuring various bizarre beasts with point values and color indicators
  • Firefly tokens** (glass beads) used for bidding
  • Teardrop tokens** representing negative points
  • Rulebook**

    How To Setup Smile

    To set up Smile, players start by shuffling the creature deck and removing cards equal to the number of players not participating. Each player receives six firefly tokens, which they can conceal in their hands. The deck is then shuffled, and one card per player is revealed and placed in ascending order based on their point values.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Bidding Mechanism: Players place fireflies on creature cards or claim cards with fireflies.
  • Creature Collection: Players aim to collect creatures with the highest point values while avoiding those with negative points.
  • Color Management: Players must avoid taking two creatures of the same color, as this results in discarding both cards.
  • Firefly Management: Managing firefly tokens is crucial, as they are used to bid on creatures and avoid taking teardrop tokens, which are worth negative points.
  • Game Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the game, after ten rounds, wins.

    Player Experience

    Playing Smile is a quirky and tense experience. The game is quick, lasting less than 20 minutes per session, making it a great filler game. Players must balance their firefly tokens to secure high-value creatures while trying to disrupt their opponents’ strategies. The game’s whimsical artwork and charming theme add to its light-hearted nature, despite the strategic depth. Hand sweat is a natural byproduct due to the secretive nature of holding firefly tokens, adding a fun and interactive element.

    Pros

  • Unique Mechanics: Combines bidding and speculation in a unique way.
  • High Replayability: Different creature cards and player interactions ensure varied gameplay each session.
  • Quick Games: Lasts less than 20 minutes, perfect for filler games.
  • Beautiful Components: Large, beautifully illustrated cards and glass firefly tokens.

    Cons

  • Initial Confusion: The game’s mechanics can be confusing at first.
  • Complex End Game Scoring: Understanding the end game scoring can take time and practice.
  • Dependence on Player Interaction: The game’s enjoyment is heavily reliant on the dynamics between players.

    Personal Thoughts on Smile

    Smile is ideal for those who enjoy light-hearted yet strategically deep games. It’s perfect for groups of 3-5 players looking for a quick, engaging filler game. While it may not be as complex as some other games, its unique mechanics and charming theme make it a standout in the category of card games. If you appreciate games that balance fun and strategy, Smile is certainly worth a try. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a deeply thematic or solo-play experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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