Télos (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Télos is a card game released in 2021 designed by Tristam Rossin and illustrated by Jolly Dutch Productions. It falls under the category of card games and is suitable for players aged 10 and above. The game involves elements of hand management and trick-taking, making it an engaging experience for 3-6 players.

Game Components of Télos

Deck of cards: Includes cards of various values and special Zeus cards with unique effects.

Player hands: Each player receives a number of cards based on the previous round’s final trick.

Scoring system: Penalty points are awarded for winning the last trick of each round.

How To Setup Télos

To set up Télos, each player is dealt a hand of cards. The number of cards in each hand is determined by the value of the last trick won in the previous round. If it is the first round, players receive a standard number of cards. The deck is shuffled, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-taking: Players take turns playing cards, with each player needing to play a card of a higher value than the previous card played.

Forced play: If a player cannot play a higher card, they must play their lowest card.

Zeus cards: Special cards that have higher values and unique effects.

Objective: The goal is to avoid winning the last trick of each round, as winning it incurs penalty points. The first player to accumulate 32 penalty points loses the game.

Card values: Colors only sort cards, not dictate play; players must play higher-value cards or their lowest card if unable to follow.

Player Experience

In Télos, players engage in a strategic battle of wits, carefully managing their hand to avoid the detrimental last trick. The game’s unique twist on traditional trick-taking mechanics adds a layer of complexity and strategy, as players must balance playing high cards to win tricks with saving their lowest cards for the final trick. However, the game sometimes feels repetitive, and luck plays a significant role due to the large deck and random distribution of cards.

Pros

Unique mechanics: Introduces new twists on the classic trick-taking genre.

Strategic depth: Requires careful planning and hand management.

Thematic integration: Uses Greek philosophical concepts to add a layer of thematic depth.

Cons

Repetitive gameplay: Can feel like the game plays out similarly each time.

Luck factor: High dependence on the random distribution of cards.

Complex rules: While concise, the rules can be unclear at times.

Personal Thoughts on Télos

Télos is best suited for die-hard fans of trick-taking games who are looking for a fresh spin on traditional mechanics. While it offers interesting twists and strategic challenges, it may not stand out significantly in a crowded market of trick-taking games. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy deep strategic thinking and are willing to navigate the nuances of its unique rules.

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