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The Field of the Cloth of Gold (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

The Field of the Cloth of Gold board game is inspired by the historic meeting that took place in 1520 between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France. This meeting, held near Calais, was a display of wealth and power as both monarchs competed to outdo each other with lavish displays of wealth, including tents made of cloth of gold. The game captures the spirit of this extravagant event and challenges players to gather resources and influence to impress the two kings.

Game Components of The Field of the Cloth of Gold

  • Board:** A canvas board featuring seven action locations.
  • Tiles:** Four colors (gold, blue, white, and red) and six green jewels.
  • Tokens:** Two tokens per player and a dragon token.
  • Score Track:** To keep track of points.
  • Darkness:** A container for hidden tiles.

    How To Setup The Field of the Cloth of Gold

    To set up the game, place the canvas board on the table and give each player three tokens. Each player places one token on the score track at “0”. The dragon token is placed on its designated space. Shuffle the tiles and draw two into each player’s hand. The remaining tiles are kept in the “Darkness”. The eldest player draws and places one tile on each space on the board. Finally, each player draws two tiles from the Darkness into their hand.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Worker Placement:** Players move tokens to different action locations.
  • Tile Drawing:** Tiles are drawn from the “Darkness” and used for various actions.
  • Gift-Giving:** Each action taken gives a tile to the opponent as a gift.
  • Point Scoring:** Scoring based on tile collections and actions taken.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to amass the most points by taking actions and managing tile collections. The game ends when a player reaches 30 points or when all tiles are drawn from the “Darkness”. The player with the highest score wins.

    Player Experience

    The Field of the Cloth of Gold is known for its high tension and strategic depth despite its simple rules. Players must navigate the delicate balance of taking actions that benefit themselves while minimizing the benefits given to their opponent. Each action involves a trade-off, as the tile drawn for the action is given to the opponent, creating a constant dilemma of whether to take the desired action or avoid giving a valuable tile to the rival.

    Pros

  • High Tension:** The gift-giving mechanism creates a tense and engaging gameplay experience.
  • Strategic Depth:** Simple decisions have significant strategic implications.
  • Quick Gameplay:** Games typically last about 20 minutes.
  • Historical Theme:** Based on the historical event of the Field of the Cloth of Gold.
  • Minimal Rules:** Easy to learn with a four-page rulebook.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count:** Designed only for two players.
  • Simple Mechanics:** Some players may find the game too lean or skeletal.
  • Luck Element:** Random tile draws can significantly impact gameplay.

    Personal Thoughts on The Field of the Cloth of Gold

    The Field of the Cloth of Gold is ideal for players who enjoy strategic, quick games with a high level of tension and interaction. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the nuances of worker placement and tile management, and who can enjoy the witty and subtly catty nature of the game’s design. For fans of Tom Russell’s work and those who like historical themes, this game offers a unique and engaging experience.

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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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