Spring on a String (2019) Board Game

Spring on a String is a board game designed by Tomáš Uhlíř and released in 2019 by Czech Board Games. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Animals, Children’s Game, and Puzzle. The game features a unique mechanism involving a string, making it a fun and interactive experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Spring on a String

Felt game board with flower stitches and grommets

String for each player (with different lengths for 2-4 player games)

Cards showing five colors of flowers

31 animal and insect cards with special abilities and rules

Knots for adjusting string length based on player count

How To Setup Spring on a String

To set up the game, players first prepare the string by wrapping it around the box and creating knots at specific distances. For a 2 or 4-player game, the longer end of the string is used, while a 3-player game uses the shorter end. The game board is laid flat, and players ensure it remains flat throughout the game to prevent cheating.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay: Players take turns threading their string through the grommets on the flower stitches on the board.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the number of petals on the flowers collected. For example, a 4-petal flower is worth 4 points, a 5-petal flower is worth 5 points, and so on.

Animal Cards: These cards introduce special rules and abilities, such as requiring specific colors to be collected before others, or allowing players to undo opponents’ moves.

Objective: The goal is to score the most points by collecting flowers while adhering to the rules imposed by the animal cards.

Player Experience

Playing **Spring on a String** is a quick and dynamic experience, with games lasting between 10 to 20 minutes. The game is highly variable due to the numerous combinations possible with the animal cards, making each game unique. Players can choose to play without the animal cards for a simpler game or add them for increased complexity and strategy. The game is suitable for both casual players and experienced gamers, as it can be adapted to different difficulty levels.

Pros

High Variability: The game offers a significant number of combinations due to the animal cards, ensuring no two games are the same.

Quick Gameplay: Games are short, lasting only 10-20 minutes.

Adaptable Difficulty: The game can be played at various difficulty levels by adding or removing animal cards.

Family-Friendly: It is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

Cons

String Management: Managing the string and keeping the board flat can be somewhat tedious.

Dependence on Cards: The game’s complexity and enjoyment heavily depend on the animal cards, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Spring on a String

**Spring on a String** is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a quick yet strategic game. Its adaptability in difficulty makes it suitable for a wide range of players, from children to experienced gamers. The game’s unique mechanics and high variability ensure it remains engaging and fresh even after multiple plays. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer longer, more immersive gaming experiences.

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.