Tiger & Dragon (2021) Board Game

Tiger & Dragon is a strategic card game that was released in 2021 by Arclight Games. Designed by Hashimoto Atsushi and featuring artwork by Rie Komatsuzaki and Jun Sasaki, this hand management team-based game has quickly gained popularity among gamers of all ages.

Game Components of Tiger & Dragon

Tiles: Mahjong-esque tiles with numbers (e.g., eight 8s, seven 7s, a single 1) and two special tiles, the Tiger and the Dragon.

Player Boards: Helps keep the table organized and legible.

Battlefield Cards: 10 cards that set the scoring conditions for each game.

Score Chips: Used to keep track of points.

How To Setup Tiger & Dragon

To set up the game, each player receives a player board. A Battlefield Card is drawn, which sets the scoring conditions for the game. Players then receive a set number of tiles based on the player count (13 for 2 players, 11 for 3 players, 9 for 4 players, and 7 for 5 players). The remaining tiles are set aside, and the starting player takes one extra tile. The Score Chips are placed nearby.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to use all their tiles to earn points.

Gameplay:
– Each round starts with the starting player attacking with a tile.
– Defending tiles must match the value of the attacking tile, with exceptions for the Tiger (blocks even numbers) and the Dragon (blocks odd numbers).
– Players can pass if they cannot or do not want to defend.
– The game continues until a player has used all their tiles, at which point they score points based on the Battlefield Card.
– Bonus points are awarded for face-down tiles on the player’s board, unless the player wins with the Tiger or Dragon.

Player Experience

Tiger & Dragon offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players must balance offense and defense, using their tiles wisely to block opponents and create opportunities to attack. The game’s simplicity in rules belies its depth in strategy, making it engaging for both casual and experienced gamers. The Battlefield Cards introduce variability, forcing players to adapt their strategies each round. The satisfaction of clacking down tiles and the ebb and flow of the game make it an enjoyable experience, especially when played with friends.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Despite simple rules, the game offers complex strategic decisions.

Variability: Battlefield Cards provide different scoring conditions, keeping the game fresh.

Social Interaction: Encourages constant engagement and strategic thinking among players.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Satisfying Gameplay: The physical act of placing tiles is very satisfying.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: The tiles you receive can significantly impact your strategy.

Limited Use of Special Tiles: The Tiger and Dragon, while powerful, are often more of a liability than an asset in winning the round.

High Dependence on Adaptability: Players must quickly adapt to changing conditions set by the Battlefield Card.

Personal Thoughts on Tiger & Dragon

Tiger & Dragon is perfect for those who enjoy strategic tile-laying games with a social twist. It is ideal for families and casual gamers who want a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. For experienced gamers, it offers a unique blend of hand management and strategic defense that requires careful planning and adaptability. Overall, it is a great addition to any game collection, providing a fun and engaging experience for a variety of player types.

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