Tellstones: King’s Gambit (2020)

Tellstones: King’s Gambit

Tellstones: King’s Gambit is a 2020 tabletop game created by Riot Games under their Riot Tabletop division. The game is set in Runeterra, the fictional universe of the video game League of Legends, and is “based on a traditional game played in the fictional region of Demacia”.

Why is Tellstones: King’s Gambit Popular?

Tellstones: King’s Gambit is popular due to its connection to the League of Legends universe and its unique blend of memory-based gameplay. The game is significant because it is Riot Games’ second tabletop game, following their successful debut with Mechs vs Minions in 2016. The game has received positive feedback for its presentation and build quality.

Game Components of Tellstones: King’s Gambit

7 unique Tellstones (tokens with symbols)

Cloth play mat (the “line”)

2 Score counters

2 Player reference cards

Rule book

Letter from Cithria’s father.

How To Setup Tellstones: King’s Gambit

To set up the game, place the cloth play mat between the players, designating it as the “line”. Put a random stone face-up in the center of the play mat. The remaining stones are placed face-up in a pool where both players can reach them. Each player receives a score marker and a player reference card. The first player is determined randomly. For four-player games, players form two teams, sitting diagonally across from each other, and play proceeds in a clockwise manner.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Actions:
– Place: Add a stone to the line.
– Hide: Turn a stone face-down.
– Swap: Exchange two stones on the line.
– Peek: Look at a hidden stone (or up to three if a point was scored in the previous turn).
– Boast: Claim to know all the hidden stones on the line.

Challenging and Boasting:
– Challenge an opponent to guess a hidden stone for a point.
– Boast and name all hidden stones correctly to win the game immediately.

Objective: The first player to score three points or successfully boast wins the game.

Player Experience

**Tellstones: King’s Gambit** is a game that heavily relies on memory and bluffing. Players must focus on memorizing the sequence and symbols of the stones, as well as outmaneuvering their opponents. The game creates low-stakes pressure that builds with each turn, making it engaging for those who enjoy strategic memory games. However, it requires several games to unlock its deeper strategies, and the memory aspect can be a significant hurdle for some players.

Pros

Incredible Production Value: High-quality, chunky tokens and a durable cloth map.

Bluffing and Strategy: The game allows for fun and strategic bluffing.

Different Strategies: Various ways to throw off your opponent and manage the stones.

Portable: Easy to carry and play anywhere.

Cons

Memory Requirement: Involves significant memory skills, which can be off-putting for some players.

Learning Curve: Requires several games to become comfortable with the mechanics.

Mental Energy: Demands a lot of mental effort to remember the symbols and sequences.

Personal Thoughts on Tellstones: King’s Gambit

**Tellstones: King’s Gambit** is ideal for fans of League of Legends and those who enjoy games with a strong memory and bluffing component. It serves well as a luxury collector’s item, especially for those who appreciate the in-universe lore of League of Legends. However, it may not appeal to every board game enthusiast, particularly those who prefer more complex or longer games. If you’re looking for a quick, strategic game with a unique theme, this might be a great addition to your collection.

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