Tails on Fire (2022) Board Game

Tails on Fire is a card game designed by Thomas Sellner and published by HeidelBÄR Games in in 2022. The game is meant for 2 to 6 players, with a recommended player count of 4 for the best experience. With a playtime of around 20 minutes, Tails on Fire is suitable for players aged 10 and above. The game features hand management, kill steal, and king of the hill mechanics, providing an engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Tails on Fire

81 Cards

1 Rulebook

How To Setup Tails on Fire

To set up the game, each player starts with a hand of 10 cards numbered 1-9 and a single “+1” card. A small deck of “Fire” cards is used to determine the target number for each round. Players choose three cards from their hand to play in each round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players must select three cards from their hand for each round.

Kill Steal: Players can steal fire cards from other players if they win a round with the same card value.

King of the Hill: The last player to play a card in a round wins the fire card and the points associated with it.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by winning rounds and collecting fire cards, which are worth 2-4 points each.

Player Experience

In **Tails on Fire**, players face a constant dilemma in choosing the right cards to play each round. The game is highly interactive, with players needing to outsmart each other to win. With 2-6 players, the game dynamics vary significantly; it becomes more chaotic and luck-dependent with more players, but more strategic with fewer players. The beautiful card art by Mayra Guadalupe Ornelas Ramos is a standout feature.

Pros

Engaging Artwork: The cards feature vibrant and cute possum illustrations.

Interactive Gameplay: The game requires strategic thinking and clever moves to outwit other players.

Quick Games: Each game lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Sustainable Commitment: HeidelBÄR Games supports sustainable initiatives by planting a tree for each game sold through their partnership with “Trees for the Future.”

Cons

Luck vs. Strategy: The game can be heavily influenced by luck, especially with more players.

Complex Rules: The game can be difficult to teach and understand, particularly in large group settings.

Limited Strategic Depth with Many Players: With more players, the game becomes less strategic and more dependent on the luck of the draw.

Personal Thoughts on Tails on Fire

**Tails on Fire** is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy interactive card games with a touch of strategy. It is best suited for 2-4 players to maintain a balance between strategy and fun. While it may not appeal to hardcore strategists due to its element of luck, it is a great addition to any game collection looking for a quick, engaging, and visually appealing game. The game’s commitment to sustainability is an added bonus, making it a worthwhile purchase for those who value environmental responsibility.

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