The Red Dragon Inn (2007) Board Game

The Red Dragon Inn is a popular card game that was first released in 2007 by SlugFest Games. The game is set in a medieval fantasy world where players take on the roles of adventurers who have just returned from a quest and are now spending their hard-earned loot at the local tavern, The Red Dragon Inn. The goal of the game is to be the last player standing with gold coins.

Game Components of The Red Dragon Inn

4 unique 40-card character decks for Deirdre the Priestess, Fiona the Volatile, Gerki the Sneak, and Zot the Wizard with Pooky.

30-card drink deck.

4 player mats.

Fortitude and Alcohol Content markers.

Gold coin tokens.

How To Setup The Red Dragon Inn

Each player receives a player mat, two markers, 10 Gold pieces, and a character deck. The character deck is shuffled and placed on the “Deck” space of the player mat. The red marker is placed on the number 20 on the left side of the board to track Fortitude, and the clear marker is placed on the number 0 to track Alcohol Content. The Drink Deck is shuffled and placed face down in the middle of the table. Each player draws one card from the Drink Deck and places it face down on the “Drink Me!” space. Players then draw seven cards from their character deck to form their starting hand. A starting player is chosen, and the game begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Discard and Draw: Players may discard any number of cards and draw back up to seven cards.

Play an Action: Players can play one Action card per turn, resolving its effect and then discarding it.

Buy Drinks: Players take the top card from the drink pile, place it face down on another player’s drink pile, and then flip the top card of their own drink pile to apply its effects.

Gambling: Players can initiate or participate in gambling rounds, which involve betting Gold and playing Gambling or Cheating cards.

Objective: The goal is to be the last player still conscious at the bar, meaning the last player whose Fortitude level does not meet their Alcohol level and who has not run out of Gold.

Player Experience

In The Red Dragon Inn, players take on the roles of four unique adventurers, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The game is set in a tavern where players drink, gamble, and interact with each other through various card actions. The atmosphere is light-hearted and humorous, with characters like Zot’s psychotic bunny rabbit, Pooky, adding to the comedic element. The game encourages strategic play and social interaction, as players aim to outlast each other in a night of drinking and merriment.

Pros

Unique Characters: Each character has distinct abilities and playstyles.

Interactive Gameplay: Players constantly interact with each other through card actions and gambling.

Humorous Atmosphere: The game’s light-hearted and comedic elements make for an enjoyable playing experience.

Simple yet Strategic: The rules are easy to learn, but the game requires strategic thinking to win.

Cons

Play Time: While the game is suggested to last 30-60 minutes, it can be longer with four players.

Gold Management: Managing Gold can be tricky, and running out of it can lead to an early exit.

Luck Factor: The game involves a degree of luck, especially with the Drink Deck and gambling rounds.

Personal Thoughts on The Red Dragon Inn

The Red Dragon Inn is ideal for players who enjoy social, light-hearted games with a touch of strategy. It is particularly suited for groups of friends looking for a fun and interactive game night experience. The unique character dynamics and the game’s ability to support up to four players (with expansions for more) make it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking deeply complex or competitive gameplay.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.