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Tolerance (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Tolerance is a card game designed by Lars Munck and published by Dragon Dawn Productions. Released in 2023, Tolerance is a game that focuses on medieval politics and deduction. With a runtime of 60-90 minutes, the game is suitable for 3-5 players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Tolerance

  • Cards:** The game features a large set of cards, including suits representing nobles, clergy, townsfolk, and peasants, along with a special wild suit. Each card has symbols indicating affiliation (Catholics, Protestants, etc.), piety, money value, and effects such as killing, converting, or collecting taxes.
  • No Board:** This is a pure card game, relying solely on the cards for gameplay.

    How To Setup Tolerance

    To set up the game, each player is dealt 12 cards at the beginning of each round. The game is played over three rounds, each representing the reign of a different monarch: Queen Mary I, Queen Elizabeth I, and King James I. The setup is straightforward, with players preparing their hands for the trick-taking mechanism.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Trick-Taking Mechanic:** Players take turns playing cards, following the suit led by the first player if possible. The highest card of the suit led wins the trick.
  • Suit and Rank:** The suits are nobles, clergy, townsfolk, peasants, and a wild suit that can be declared as any suit.
  • Card Effects:** Winning a trick allows the player to perform the actions on the cards played, such as converting, killing, or collecting taxes.
  • Scoring:** Victory points are awarded at the end of each round, with scoring varying based on the reigning monarch.
  • Asymmetric Goals:** Players have variable goals reflecting the historical context, such as building piety or collecting money.
  • Engine Building:** Players build their capabilities over the rounds to optimize their scoring.

    Player Experience

    **Tolerance** offers a dynamic and engaging experience, combining the simplicity of trick-taking with the depth of asymmetric goals and variable effects. Players must strategize not only to win tricks but also to disrupt their opponents’ plans through clever card play. The game’s thematic backdrop adds a layer of historical context and moral reflection, highlighting the consequences of religious conflicts.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mechanics:** The combination of trick-taking and card effects creates a compelling and interactive gameplay experience.
  • Historical Theme:** The game’s theme is both educational and thought-provoking, adding depth to the gameplay.
  • Asymmetric Goals:** Variable player goals enhance replayability and strategy.
  • Short Play Time:** The game lasts 60-90 minutes, making it suitable for multiple plays in one game night.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** While the core mechanic is simple, the numerous card effects and scoring rules can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Thematic Intensity:** The game’s theme, which includes elements of torture and religious conflict, may not appeal to all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Tolerance

    **Tolerance** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a strong thematic focus. It is particularly suited for those interested in historical scenarios and asymmetric gameplay. However, due to its complex rules and intense theme, it may not be the best fit for casual or younger players. Overall, **Tolerance** is a unique and engaging game that challenges players to navigate the intricacies of historical conflict.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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