The Fox in the Forest (2017) Board Game

The Fox in the Forest is a two-player trick-taking card game that was released in 2017 by Foxtrot Games. Designed by Joshua Buergel, this game has been praised for its beautiful artwork by Jennifer L. Meyer and Keith Pishnery, as well as its unique gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of The Fox in the Forest

33 cards, divided into three suits of eleven cards each

2 scoring cards

17 scoring tokens

1 rulebook

2 reference cards

How To Setup The Fox in the Forest

To set up the game, each player is dealt 13 cards. The remaining cards form a draw pile, with the top card turned over to determine the “Decree” suit, also known as the trump suit. The player who did not deal leads the first trick.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Trick-taking: Players take turns playing cards, with the second player required to play a card of the same suit if possible.

Special Abilities: Odd-numbered cards have unique abilities that can change the course of the round.

Trump Suit: The “Decree” suit determined at the start of the round always wins unless a card with a special ability is played.

Game Objective

Accumulate 21 points by winning tricks over multiple rounds.

Score points based on the number of tricks won:
– 0-3 tricks: 6 points
– 4-6 tricks: 1-3 points
– 7-9 tricks: 6 points
– 10-13 tricks: 0 points (considered “Greedy”), opponent gets 6 points.

Player Experience

The Fox in the Forest offers a engaging and strategic gameplay experience. Players must carefully manage the number of tricks they take, as winning too many can result in zero points. The game involves psychological warfare, where players need to read their opponent’s moves, think about the cards that have been played, and adjust their strategy accordingly. The special abilities on the cards add a layer of complexity and surprise, making each round unique.

Pros

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

Strategic Depth: The game requires tactical decisions and reading the opponent’s strategy.

Beautiful Artwork: The cards are beautifully illustrated with a peaceful, forest theme.

Compact and Travel-Friendly: The game is small and easy to carry.

High Replayability: The unique abilities and scoring system keep the game fresh over multiple plays.

Cons

Limited Replayability for Core Gamers: Some players might find the game lacks the massive replayability of more complex games.

Replicability: The game could be replicated with a custom deck of cards, which might affect its value proposition.

Personal Thoughts on The Fox in the Forest

The Fox in the Forest is an excellent choice for those who enjoy trick-taking games and are looking for a compelling two-player experience. It is particularly suited for couples or friends who want a game that is both easy to learn and rich in strategy. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with depth makes it a standout in its category, offering a fun and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more.

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