TonTon (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

TonTon is a card game designed by 長谷川登鯉 (Tori Hasegawa) and published by Happy Baobab in in 2018. It is a game that combines elements of hand management and trick-taking, making it a unique and engaging experience for players. The game is suitable for 3 to 5 players, with a runtime of 15 to 30 minutes, making it a quick and fun option for game nights.

Game Components of TonTon

Deck: A 40-card deck with five colors numbered 1-8, but players only use three colors of cards in each game.

Mission Cards: Five mission cards that provide a focus for each of the three rounds.

How To Setup TonTon

To set up TonTon, players first shuffle the deck and deal a set of cards to each player. The mission card for the first round is revealed, setting the objective for that round. Players organize their cards according to the colors and numbers, preparing to take tricks and meet the mission’s requirements.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-Taking: Players take turns playing cards to win tricks, with the goal of not busting (exceeding a certain total).

Rounds: The game is played over three rounds, each with a different mission card that dictates the round’s focus.

Mission Completion: Players aim to fulfill the mission’s objectives while managing their card play carefully to avoid busting.

Card Management: Players must organize and play their cards strategically to take tricks without exceeding the limits set by the mission.

Player Experience

TonTon offers a dynamic and challenging experience, requiring players to balance risk and strategy. Each round presents a new mission, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. The game demands attention to detail and quick thinking, making it appealing to fans of trick-taking and strategic card games.

Pros

Engaging Missions: The mission cards add a layer of complexity and variety to each round.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and card management.

Quick Games: With only three rounds, games are relatively short and fast-paced.

Cons

Limited Cards: Using only three colors of cards from a five-color deck might limit some players’ preferences.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the mission objectives and busting mechanism challenging to grasp initially.

Personal Thoughts on TonTon

TonTon is ideal for fans of trick-taking games and those who enjoy strategic card play. It is a great addition to any board game collection for players looking for a game that requires thoughtful planning and quick execution. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers who prefer simpler rules or longer, more immersive game sessions.

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