The Great Split (2022) Board Game

The Great Split’ is a card game designed by Hjalmar Hach and Lorenzo Silva, with artwork by Weberson Santiago. It was released in 2022 by publisher Horrible Guild. The game is designed for 2 to 7 players, with the ideal player count being 4 to

With a runtime of 45 minutes and an age recommendation of 8+, ‘The Great Split’ offers players a fun and engaging gaming experience.

Game Components of The Great Split

8 double-layer player boards

70+ gold foil cards

Loads of wooden cubes

Character tiles

Wallets

Splitter cards

Three decks of Resource cards (marked I, II, III)

Central board

Market token and slider

How To Setup The Great Split

To set up the game, each player receives a player board, a wallet, a splitter card, and a character tile. The character tile provides an asymmetric set of starting resources and unique bonus icons for final scoring. Players start with four cards from deck I. The central board is used to track the number of cards for each round and when interim scorings will occur. Each deck of cards is shuffled, and players ensure the cards are placed in their respective decks based on their markings.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Drafting: Players draft cards by splitting their hand into two groups.

Simultaneous Play: Players pass their wallets to the left and receive one from the right, choosing one group of cards.

Resource Management: Manage resources represented by cards to advance on various tracks.

Market Mechanic: The art market slider affects the scoring of artwork.

Game Objective

Build the most prestigious collection of riches by collecting gems, gold, artwork, and tomes.

Use the splitter card to split your hand and influence which cards your opponents take.

Advance on tracks to gain resources, seals, or prestige points.

Utilize character tile bonuses and contracts for additional scoring.

Player Experience

The Great Split offers an engaging experience with its unique splitting mechanic, where players must strategically divide their cards to influence what their opponents will choose. The game is simple to learn but requires strategic thinking to maximize one’s collection. The simultaneous play reduces downtime, making it an enjoyable experience for both small and large groups. However, some players might find the game less strategic than anticipated, as the outcome often depends on the cards dealt and the choices made by neighboring players.

Pros

Low Downtime: Simultaneous play ensures all players are engaged constantly.

High Quality Materials: Includes 8 double-layer boards, gold foil cards, and wooden cubes.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8+, making it a great addition to family game nights.

Variety in Scoring: Different scoring mechanisms keep the game interesting.

Cons

Limited Strategic Depth: Some players may find the game less strategic than expected.

Dependence on Card Drafts: The game’s outcome heavily depends on the cards dealt.

Less Negotiation: Players have limited genuine negotiation, as they must choose one of the offered groups.

Personal Thoughts on The Great Split

The Great Split is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy drafting and set collection games. While it may not offer the deep strategic complexity some gamers seek, it provides a fun and interactive experience that is perfect for game nights with a mix of adults and children. The game’s design encourages strategic thinking, especially in predicting what your opponents might choose, but it remains accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players.

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