ThinkBlot (1997) Board Game – Board Game Guys

ThinkBlot is a party game created by Rob Angel, the same mind behind the popular game Pictionary. It was released in 1997 and has since gained a loyal following among fans of party games and puzzles. The game is designed for 2-6 players, with the best experience being for 4-6 players.

Game Components of ThinkBlot

Inkblot cards

Categories die

Sliding score markers

Game board

Rulebook

How To Setup ThinkBlot

To set up ThinkBlot, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a score marker and places it at the starting point on the board. The inkblot cards and the categories die are also placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll the Die: Players roll a die that has both inkblots and categories on it.

Categories: If a category is rolled (e.g., “animals” or “food”), players must find objects related to that category in the inkblot.

Inkblots: If an inkblot is rolled, players can interpret the inkblot in any way they like.

Identify and Persuade: Players earn points for shared answers and more points for unique responses. Bonus points are awarded if their answers match those concealed on the back of the card.

Challenge Responses: Players can contest unique responses they do not see in the inkblot. If a player persuades others of their vision, they get two points; otherwise, the response does not count.

Winning the Game: The first player to get to the end of the board and back wins.

Player Experience

ThinkBlot encourages creativity and persuasion, making it a fun and engaging game for players who enjoy interpreting ambiguous images. However, the game can be quite short, and some players may find the rules ambiguous, leading to disagreements. The game’s reliance on imagination can also result in many obvious answers, which might make the game less challenging.

Pros

Encourages creativity and imagination

Promotes social interaction and persuasion

Can be played with two or more players

Unique and engaging gameplay mechanics

Cons

Game can end too quickly

Ambiguous rules may lead to disputes

Many obvious answers can reduce the game’s challenge

Personal Thoughts on ThinkBlot

ThinkBlot is ideal for families and groups who enjoy creative and interactive games. It is particularly suited for those who like games that challenge their imagination and persuasive skills. However, players seeking a game with more complex rules or a longer playtime might find ThinkBlot too light or short-lived. Despite its limitations, ThinkBlot can be a fun addition to game nights, especially with the addition of house rules to enhance the gameplay experience.

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