Those Pesky Garden Gnomes (2012) Board Game

Those Pesky Garden Gnomes is a trick-taking card game released in 2012 by Rio Grande Games. The game is designed for 3-5 players, with a recommended player count of 4. It falls under the categories of card game and fantasy, offering a unique twist on the classic trick-taking mechanic.

Game Components of Those Pesky Garden Gnomes

Card deck: Includes cards with point values and various colors.

Goal cards: Each player has unique goal cards that alter the gameplay objective.

Bid tokens: Randomly chosen at the beginning of each hand to influence card scores.

Scorepad: For tracking players’ scores.

How To Setup Those Pesky Garden Gnomes

To set up the game, each player receives a set of goal cards and a bid token is randomly selected for the round. Players are dealt a hand of cards, and the remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The game is ready to start once all players have their cards and goals.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-taking mechanics: Players take turns playing cards in a standard trick-taking format.

Unique goal cards: Each player’s goal cards define their specific objectives for the round, such as collecting certain color cards or avoiding cards altogether.

Bid tokens: Influence the scoring by adding to or subtracting from the player’s total points.

Scoring: Players calculate their points after each round and adjust their score based on how close they are to their goal.

Winning condition: The game ends when one player reaches a total score of 30; the player with the lowest score wins.

Player Experience

Those Pesky Garden Gnomes offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Each hand presents new challenges and opportunities due to the varying goal cards and bid tokens. Players must balance their immediate objectives with long-term strategy, making the game engaging and thought-provoking. The game requires tactical planning and attention to opponents’ moves, as seemingly poor plays can be part of a larger strategy.

Pros

Dynamic gameplay: Each hand is unique due to the random goal cards and bid tokens.

Strategic depth: Requires careful planning and adaptation.

Fun artwork: Although the garden gnome theme is not strong, the artwork is enjoyable.

Fast-paced: The game moves quickly, keeping players engaged.

Cons

Complexity: May take some time to understand the various goal cards and bid tokens.

Luck element: The random nature of goal cards and bid tokens can introduce an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Those Pesky Garden Gnomes

Those Pesky Garden Gnomes is ideal for fans of trick-taking games who enjoy a mix of strategy and unpredictability. It is recommended for players aged 13 and up, making it a great addition to family game nights or casual gaming sessions with friends. The game’s unique mechanics and variable objectives ensure that no two games are the same, providing a fresh experience each time it is played.

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