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Survival of the Witless (1997) Board Game

ByMichail

Survival of the Witless is a humorous political card game released in 1997 by designer Brien J. Miller. The game is set in a dystopian future where players take on the roles of politicians trying to survive in a corrupt and chaotic political landscape.

Game Components of Survival of the Witless

  • Number of Players:** 3 to 8
  • Age Range:** 12 and up
  • Game Duration:** Approximately 60 minutes
  • Components:** Book contract cards, various other cards that reflect the challenges and politics of academic tenure

    How To Setup Survival of the Witless

    To set up the game, players first need to shuffle and deal the cards according to the specified rules. Each player starts with a set of cards that represent their academic credentials and political maneuvering abilities. The deck includes eight book contract cards, which are crucial for achieving tenure. Players must navigate the setup carefully, as the initial card distribution can significantly impact their chances of success.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** The ultimate goal is to achieve tenure, which is depicted as the pinnacle of academic success in the game.
  • Hand Management:** Players must manage their cards strategically to gain advantages and sabotage their opponents.
  • Set Collection:** Collecting the right sets of cards, particularly the coveted book contract cards, is essential for winning.
  • Social Interaction:** The game involves significant social interaction, as players engage in political maneuvering and backstabbing to advance their careers.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Survival of the Witless** is a chaotic and amusing experience that mirrors the intense and often ridiculous world of academic politics. Players must balance their own aspirations with the need to undermine their competitors, making for a game that is both entertaining and strategically challenging.

    Pros

  • Unique Theme:** The game offers a unique and humorous take on academic politics.
  • High Replayability:** With a large number of players and variable card distributions, each game can be quite different.
  • Social Interaction:** Encourages significant player interaction and strategy.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** The initial setup can be complex and may require some time to understand for new players.
  • Limited Availability:** The game is less common and may be harder to find compared to more popular titles.
  • Satire May Not Appeal to All:** The game’s satirical take on academia might not be to everyone’s taste.

    Personal Thoughts on Survival of the Witless

    **Survival of the Witless** is ideal for those who enjoy satirical humor and are familiar with, or fascinated by, the often-absurd world of academic politics. It is particularly suited for groups of friends or colleagues who can appreciate the game’s tongue-in-cheek humor and strategic depth. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a more serious or straightforward gaming 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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