The Book of Dragons (2022) Board Game

The Book of Dragons’ is a fantasy-themed card game that was released in 2022 by Trefl. Designed by Adam Strzelecki, Pawel ‘Bloski’ Suski, and Wojciech Wiśniewski, this game is perfect for 2 to 5 players and has a runtime of 25-30 minutes. With its beautiful artwork by Kamila Mrożek-Zielińska, ‘The Book of Dragons’ takes players on an exciting adventure into the world of dragons.

Game Components of The Book of Dragons

Dragon cards: Each card features one of six dragon types, a background color, and a corresponding point value along with a single-use special power.

Dice: Three dice per player, used as trackers and not for rolling or chucking.

Player cards: Indicate each player’s preferred dragon type.

Lock tokens: Used for strategic bidding.

Board: A three-piece puzzle board with spaces for piles of cards determined by the player count.

How To Setup The Book of Dragons

To set up the game, the three-piece puzzle board is assembled with spaces for card piles based on the number of players. Each player receives three dice set to starting values (three, four, and five), a player card indicating their preferred dragon type, and a lock token. The dragon cards are placed on the board according to the player count.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Auction Mechanic: Players bid on dragon cards using their dice to meet or exceed the minimum bid.

Bidding: Players can bid on any number of dragons if they can meet the minimum bid, and outbidding another player increases the ousted bidder’s dice values.

Card Abilities: Each dragon card has a point value and a special power that can be used once during the game.

Game Objective: Collect dragon cards to score points, with the goal of accumulating the highest point total by collecting dragons, especially those matching the player’s preferred type.

Player Experience

The game is designed to last less than 30 minutes, making it a quick and engaging experience. Players have to balance bidding strategically and using their dice efficiently to secure the dragons they need. The game encourages a mix of short-term and long-term planning, as players must decide when to bid aggressively and when to use their card abilities to gain an advantage.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Lasts less than 30 minutes.

Strategic Bidding: Encourages strategic thinking and planning.

Special Abilities: Each dragon card has a unique ability that adds depth to the game.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players looking for a light to medium complexity game.

Cons

Limited Incentive to Lose Auctions: There is little incentive to lose auctions intentionally, which can make some decisions too obvious.

Dependence on Dice: The game can become predictable as players often load all their dice on a single card rather than engaging in back-and-forth bidding.

Simple Decisions: Some players may find the decisions too straightforward, lacking the complexity they prefer.

Personal Thoughts on The Book of Dragons

The Book of Dragons is ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a quick, thematic game. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy auction mechanics and collecting cards with special abilities. However, it may not satisfy players seeking a more complex or deeply strategic experience. For a preteen who is enthusiastic about dragons, this game could be a great introduction to more complex board game mechanics while maintaining a fun and engaging atmosphere.

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.