Tallinn (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Tallinn is a board game released in 2016 that takes place in the medieval city of Tallinn, Estonia. Designed by Christian Fiore and illustrated by OSTIA Spiele, the game is set in the 14th century where players take on the roles of wealthy merchants trying to gain influence and power in the city.

Game Components of Tallinn

Player decks: Each player has a deck of 10 influence cards.

Influence cards: Each card has two halves with faction symbols (merchants, monasteries, knights) and some have coins.

Start cards: Each player receives a start card with different starting faction symbols.

Faction symbols: Representing merchants, monasteries, and knights.

How To Setup Tallinn

To set up the game, each player receives a start card that has different starting faction symbols, giving each player a unique beginning position. Each player then takes their deck of 10 influence cards, shuffles them, and draws 3 cards. The game is ready to begin once all players have their cards and start cards in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their deck of influence cards.

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players select and play cards simultaneously.

Bluffing: Players aim to influence the three factions (merchants, monasteries, knights) without revealing too much.

Objective: Gain the most influence over the factions within ten rounds to win.

Player Experience

In Tallinn, players engage in a fast-paced game where each turn involves playing one of three cards from their hand. The game is straightforward, with simple rules that can be picked up quickly. Players must strategically choose when to play contest cards and build towers to sway the factions in their favor. The unique round structure and tower-building decisions add a layer of strategy, making the game more engaging than it initially seems.

Pros

Quick and simple turns: Limits potential analysis paralysis and leads to an overall fast game.

Strategic decisions: Choosing when to play contest cards and build towers provides good strategic choices.

Portable: Easy to travel with and can serve as a warm-up for bigger games.

Cons

Fiddliness: Flipping cards in the middle of the row to the tower side can be annoying.

Luck of the draw: Certain set collection aspects and contest cards are influenced by luck.

Personal Thoughts on Tallinn

Tallinn is an excellent filler game for those who enjoy hand management and bluffing mechanics. It is perfect for a quick game session or as an introduction to deeper strategy games. While it may not offer innovative mechanics or deep strategy, it provides a fun and engaging experience that is easy to learn and play. This game is ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a light, yet strategic game that can be played in under 20 minutes.

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