The Dwarf King (2011) Board Game

The Dwarf King is a trick-taking card game designed by Bruno Faidutti and published by IELLO in in 2011. It is a fantasy-themed game where players take on the role of dwarven clans competing to become the new king. The game combines elements of bluffing and strategy, making it a unique twist on the classic trick-taking genre.

Game Components of The Dwarf King

Deck: Consists of 53 cards, including three suits (Dwarves, Goblins, and Knights) with 13 cards each, and 5 uncategorized cream-colored cards.

Character Deck: Includes the 5 uncategorized cream-colored cards, three 1s, and six 11s (two from each suit).

Quest Tiles: 20 tiles that define the scoring rules for each hand.

Box: A quality magnetic box containing the cards and Quest Tiles[5′.

How To Setup The Dwarf King

To set up the game, shuffle the Character Deck and draw the topmost card, reading it aloud to all players. This card is then added to the Armies Deck. In a three-player game, remove the 2 of Dwarves and shuffle the Armies Deck. Deal all the cards face down to the players. Each player then turns over the top Quest Tile, reads the narrative, and decides which of the two scoring options will apply to the coming hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Leading the First Trick: The player with the Red 5 leads the first trick.

Following Tricks: The winner of the preceding trick leads the next one.

No Trumps: There are no trump suits.

Following Suit: Players must follow suit if they can.

Scoring: Points are scored based on the Quest Tile and Character Card. The game consists of 7 hands, and the player with the highest points score at the end wins.

Player Experience

The Dwarf King is described as a “wild trick taking card game full of surprises” with a lot of randomness. Players have reported having a lot of laughs with the game, though it has a serious proviso: the interpretation of some Quest Tiles can be ambiguous, leading to debates. The game is fast to explain and play, but the clarity of the scoring rules can sometimes be an issue.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Fast to explain and play.

High Variability: Each hand is different due to the Quest Tiles and Character Cards.

Fun and Interactive: Players report having a lot of laughs.

Beautiful Artwork: The game features fantasy-themed artwork.

Cons

Ambiguous Rules: Some Quest Tiles can be confusing, leading to debates.

Dependence on Single Cards: Some scoring rules depend on single cards, which can be frustrating if they are not played.

Personal Thoughts on The Dwarf King

The Dwarf King is ideal for those who enjoy trick-taking games with a twist. It is a great option for players looking for a game that combines strategy with randomness and changing rules. While it may appeal to non-gamers due to its familiar trick-taking mechanism, the game’s depth and complexity make it more suited to casual gamers who enjoy a bit of unpredictability. However, the ambiguity in some of the Quest Tiles may deter players who prefer clear and consistent rules.

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