The Bark Side (2018) Board Game

The Bark Side is a card game designed by Serene Wyatt and released in in 2018. It is a trick-taking game that is suitable for 3 to 6 players, with a runtime of about 30 minutes. The game is designed for players aged 7 and up, making it a great option for families and casual gamers.

Game Components of The Bark Side

Card Deck: Consists of 60 cards, each numbered 1-12, with five copies of each number.

Special Cards: Includes the Starting Dog and Wild Dog cards, which can be added to the deck.

Tail Tucked / Untucked Card: Used to track the game state.

How To Setup The Bark Side

To set up the game, start by shuffling the deck. If playing with fewer than five players, remove the 11s and 12s from the deck. Deal each player a hand of ten cards. Place the Tail Tucked / Untucked card where all players can see it, starting in the Untucked position. Optionally, add the Starting Dog and Wild Dog cards to the deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Avoid taking the final trick in each round to prevent adding cards to your “pound.”

Gameplay:
– Each player passes two cards to the right at the start of the round.
– The player with the Starting Dog or a randomly chosen start player begins the round by playing a card.
– Players must play a card that is the same or greater than the last card played.
– If unable to play a card, perform a “tail-tucking” move by playing the lowest available card and flipping the Tail Tucked / Untucked card.
– Sets of cards can be played, requiring all cards to be of the same value, followed by a higher set.
– The Wild Dog can be used to boost a set or as a 0 for tail-tucking.
– The player who takes the final trick loses the round and adds their card and the two lowest cards played in that trick to their pound.
– The game ends when a player accumulates seven different types of dogs in their pound or when the deck cannot deal six cards to each player. The player with the fewest dogs in their pound wins.

Player Experience

The Bark Side offers a fun and quick card game experience, reminiscent of trick-taking games. Players need to strategically manage their hand to avoid taking the final trick, which can lead to penalties. The game features bright and fun artwork, making it appealing to dog lovers and fans of light-hearted card games.

Pros

Quick and Engaging: Games are generally short and engaging.

Fun Artwork: The game’s artwork is bright, fun, and appealing.

Simple to Learn: Easy setup and straightforward rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Requires strategic hand management to avoid penalties.

Cons

Limited Control: Players have limited ability to direct the game beyond avoiding the final trick.

Luck Factor: The game involves a degree of luck, especially with card draws and the final trick.

Personal Thoughts on The Bark Side

The Bark Side is ideal for those looking for a quick, light-hearted card game with a touch of strategy. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, and anyone who enjoys trick-taking mechanics with a fun, thematic twist. While it may not offer deep strategic depth, it provides a enjoyable and fast-paced gaming experience.

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