Thricewise (2009) Board Game

Thricewise is a card game released in 2009, designed by P. D. Magnus. It falls under the categories of Pattern Building, Pattern Recognition, Simultaneous Action Selection, and Tile Placement. The game can be played with 2 to 5 players, with the best experience being for 2 players. Thricewise has a runtime of approximately 20 minutes and is suitable for players of all ages.

Game Components of Thricewise

Decktet cards: A 36-card basic deck with single-suited Aces, double-suited ranks 2 through 9, and single-suited Crowns. The extended deck includes the Excuse, triple-suited Pawns, and triple-suited Courts.

How To Setup Thricewise

To set up Thricewise, deal three cards to each player. For 2 or 4 players, deal four cards face up to form a 2×2 grid; for 3 or 5 players, deal six cards face up to form a 2×3 grid.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Placement: Players select one card from their hand each turn and place it face down. Cards are then revealed, and players arrange them in order of increasing rank if all cards are of different ranks. If multiple players play cards of the same rank, those cards are deferred until a later turn.

Grid Expansion: Players add their cards to the grid, placing them adjacent to existing cards (orthogonally or diagonally). Cards cannot be played on top of other cards.

Scoring: Points are scored when a player’s card completes a trio (either a flush, set, or straight). The score is determined by the rank of the lowest number card in the trio. Aces and Crowns do not affect scoring.

Player Experience

Thricewise offers a dynamic and strategic experience as players aim to create scoring combinations while managing deferred cards. The game requires attention to the grid’s layout and the suits and ranks of the cards, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game involves careful planning and strategic card placement.

Replayability: The unique Decktet deck and the varying grid setups ensure different experiences each time.

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it easy for new players to join in.

Cons

Deck Dependency: The game requires the specific Decktet deck, which might be a barrier for those unfamiliar with it.

Deferred Cards Complexity: Managing deferred cards can add complexity and slow down gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Thricewise

Thricewise is ideal for players who enjoy card games with a twist and are looking for a game that challenges their strategic thinking. It is particularly suited for fans of the Decktet system and those who appreciate the unique mechanics it offers. The game’s fast-paced nature and simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players, although it may appeal more to those who enjoy complex card games.

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