| | | | | |

Tea Time (2012) Board Game

ByMichail

Tea Time is a card game designed by Chiara Vercesi and published in in 2012. It is a set collection game that is suitable for 2-4 players, aged 8 and above. The game is themed around a traditional English tea party, where players collect different types of tea and pastries to score points.

Game Components of Tea Time

  • 61 cards: 10 cards each of 6 characters from Alice in Wonderland, and one Alice card.
  • Double-sided cards: Each character card has a normal side and a mirror side.
  • Booklet with rules**.

    How To Setup Tea Time

    To set up Tea Time, players first shuffle the deck of 61 cards. The number of cards laid out depends on the number of players: 12 cards for two players (3×4 grid), 16 cards for three players (4×4 grid), and 20 cards for four players (5×4 grid). The cards are placed in a rectangle with strict rules that alternate sides – mirror and real world – in both rows and columns, creating diagonal lines.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Collection: Players aim to collect sets of characters or avoid collecting any of a particular character.
  • Scoring: Points vary by the number of cards collected: 0 cards = 5 points, 1 card = 1 point, 2 cards = 2 points, 3 cards = 6 points, 4 cards = 10 points, 5 cards = 15 points.
  • Mirror Mechanic: Mirror cards cancel out normal cards and vice versa.
  • Turns: Players take turns selecting up to three connected cards (orthogonally or diagonally) from the table.
  • Rounds: The game consists of three rounds, with the Alice card determining the starting player for each round.

    Player Experience

    Tea Time offers a light and easy-to-learn experience, making it a great filler game. Players must balance strategic planning with adapting to the changing availability of cards. The game encourages thinking ahead and reacting to other players’ moves, especially in the second half of each round when the most desirable cards are taken, and players must divide the less important ones. This leads to a moderate level of conflict and strategic depth.

    Pros

  • Simple Rules: Easy to learn and teach, even for younger players.
  • Bright Artwork: The game features colorful and appealing illustrations from Alice in Wonderland.
  • Strategic Depth: Players need to plan ahead and adapt to changing card availability.
  • Quick Setup: Preparation for individual rounds is fast.

    Cons

  • Limited Complexity: Not suitable for hardcore gamers looking for deep, complex gameplay.
  • Randomness: The distribution of cards between rounds can disrupt carefully planned strategies.

    Personal Thoughts on Tea Time

    Tea Time is ideal for those looking for a light, set-collection game that is easy to learn and quick to play. It’s perfect for younger gamers or as a filler game for more casual game nights. While it may not offer the depth hardcore gamers crave, it provides a delightful and imaginative experience with a touch of strategy and tactics. If you’re seeking a game that combines simplicity with engaging gameplay, Tea Time is a great choice.

    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. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *