Squire for Hire (2019) Board Game

Squire for Hire is a card game designed by Jon Merchant and published by Letiman Games in in 2019. It falls under the categories of animals, fantasy, and print & play. The game is designed for 1-2 players with a runtime of 15-25 minutes and is suitable for ages 12 and up. The game features mechanics such as layering, melding and splaying, set collection, solo/solitaire play, tile placement, and variable player powers.

Game Components of Squire for Hire

14 Story/Loot Cards

4 Squire Cards

Optional expansions: Squire for Hire: Mystic Runes and Squire Pack 1 character expansion.

How To Setup Squire for Hire

To set up the game, each player is given a character and two Loot Cards, from which they keep one. The remaining Loot Cards are shuffled and flipped to their Encounter side. Two cards are placed Loot-side up on either side of the center Encounter card, and the game is ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turn: Choose to attempt or ignore the face-up Encounter Card. If attempting, cover the card with a new one, rotating as needed. Flip the Encounter Card onto a Loot Pile to end the turn.

Encounter Deck: Once the deck runs out, shuffle the Loot Piles together to form a new Encounter Deck.

Scoring: Earn 1 point for each item (colorful outline) and -1 point for each Junk item (gray outline). Bonus +1 point for every pair of the same items adjacent to each other.

Objective: The player with the highest score, achieved by efficiently packing valuable items and minimizing junk, wins the game.

Player Experience

In **Squire for Hire**, players take on the role of squires tasked with organizing their adventurer’s loot bag. The game is light and quick, lasting about 15-20 minutes, making it ideal for travel or short gaming sessions. It challenges spatial reasoning without being overly complex, providing a fun and engaging experience for solo players and duos alike.

Pros

Portable: Fits in a pocket, making it perfect for travel.

Quick Gameplay: Lasts only 15-20 minutes.

Solo and Two-Player: Suitable for both solo and two-player games.

Spatial Challenge: Engages spatial reasoning skills without being too complex.

Expandable: Compatible with expansions like Squire for Hire: Mystic Runes and Squire Pack 1.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for only 1-2 players.

Simple Mechanics: May be too straightforward for players seeking more complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Squire for Hire

**Squire for Hire** is a great option for those looking for a quick, light, and portable game that still offers a fun challenge. It’s perfect for travelers, casual gamers, or anyone waiting for a friend or gaming buddy. The game’s simplicity and spatial puzzles make it an enjoyable addition to any gaming collection, especially for fans of wallet games and inventory management mechanics. However, it may not appeal to players seeking more intricate gameplay or larger player counts.

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