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Ten (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Ten is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2015. It was designed by Madoka Kitao and Steffen Mühlhäuser, with artwork by Steffen-Spiele and another artist. The game is designed for 2 players, with a playing time of 15-20 minutes. It falls under the category of abstract strategy games and features tile placement as its main mechanism.

Game Components of Ten

  • Number cards:** 1-9 in four colors (blue, green, yellow, and red) with varying quantities of each number.
  • Wild cards:** Multicolored cards, wild number cards, and wild color cards.
  • Currency cards:** Cards with 1-5 black dots for bidding and purchasing.
  • Bust tokens:** White tokens valued at 3 currency tokens.
  • Player tokens:** Black currency tokens.

    How To Setup Ten

    To set up Ten, shuffle the deck and place it on the table. Each player receives 5 black currency tokens. Determine the starting player, and the game is ready to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Draw:** Players draw cards one at a time from the deck.
  • Press Your Luck:** Players can choose to stop drawing or continue, risking a bust.
  • Bust Conditions:** Total number card value exceeds 10, or total currency card value exceeds 10.
  • Consequences:** If busted, numbered cards go to the market, and the player gains a bust token.
  • Auction:** When a wild card is drawn, an auction ensues starting with the player to the left of the active player.
  • Game End:** The game concludes when the draw pile is empty. Players arrange their cards to form sequential runs in each color.
  • Scoring:** 1 point per card in the longest sequence in each color, with a 1-point bonus for a full 1-9 sequence in a color.

    Player Experience

    Ten offers a dynamic experience where players must balance risk and strategy. Each turn can be simple or complex, depending on the cards drawn and the player’s decisions. The game rewards attention to other players’ moves and strategic use of currency tokens.

    Pros

  • Simple yet Engaging Mechanics:** Easy to learn but challenging to master.
  • Strategic Depth:** Players need to balance risk and reward, making tactical decisions.
  • Colorblind Friendly:** The card design includes geometric patterns to help colorblind players.
  • Quick and Satisfying:** Games are relatively short, making it a great filler game.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules Initially:** New players might find the rules convoluted at first.
  • Card Quality:** Initial impressions of card thickness may be negative, though they hold up well.
  • Theme:** The abstract theme might not appeal to players seeking a rich narrative.

    Personal Thoughts on Ten

    Ten is ideal for those who enjoy press-your-luck games and are looking for a straightforward, yet engaging experience. It’s perfect for regular gaming groups as a filler game but may not be the best choice for beginners due to the initial complexity of the rules. However, once understood, the game flows well and provides a fun, tactical challenge.

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    • 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

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