The Border (2022) Board Game

The Border is a dice-based board game released in 2022, designed by Oliver Freudenreich and Sandra Freudenreich. The game is published by an unknown publisher and is suitable for 2-4 players, with a runtime of around 30 minutes. It is recommended for players aged 8 and above and falls under the dice rolling and paper-and-pencil categories.

Game Components of The Border

4 player boards, each with nine separate areas surrounded by colored hexagons

Sets of dice corresponding to different colored hexagons

Markers or pencils for marking hexagons on the player boards

Rulebook

How To Setup The Border

To set up the game, each player receives their own board, and the dice are prepared for rolling. The game starts with one player designated as the active player, who rolls the dice. The boards are initially blank, waiting for players to mark off the hexagons as they roll and choose their dice results.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Each turn, the active player rolls up to five dice a total of three times, choosing which results to keep and re-roll.

Hexagon Marking: Players mark off hexagons on their board corresponding to the dice results. Non-active players can mark off hexagons using unused dice results, provided the spaces are adjacent to already marked ones.

Area Completion: Players score points by completing areas (encircling landmarks) on their board. The first player to complete an area scores the highest points (up to 12 points), while subsequent completions score half the points.

Game End: The game ends when a player completes the sixth area on their board. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

The Border offers a unique blend of planning and strategic decision-making. Players must balance the need to complete their own areas while also leveraging the dice results left over by the active player. This dynamic creates an interactive and engaging experience, as players constantly adjust their strategies based on the rolls and their opponents’ moves.

Pros

Simple to Learn: The game mechanics are easy to understand, making it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game requires strategic thinking, particularly in managing dice results and blocking opponents.

Interactive: The game involves active and non-active players, ensuring everyone remains engaged throughout.

Cons

Game Length: Some players might find the game slightly long, especially as the final turns can be intense and decisive.

Dry Mechanics: The game’s mechanics, while engaging, can feel somewhat dry or repetitive to some players.

Personal Thoughts on The Border

The Border is ideal for fans of roll-and-write games and those who enjoy strategic planning with a dash of luck. It is a great addition to the collection of anyone who appreciates games like Copenhagen or other Michael Kiesling designs. While it may not be the most complex game, its unique mechanics and interactive nature make it a refreshing and engaging experience for casual and experienced gamers alike.

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