TSCHAK! (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

TSCHAK! is a card game designed by Vincent Dutrait and released in in 2011. It falls into the fantasy genre and is designed for 2-4 players with a runtime of about 40 minutes. The game features auction/bidding, hand management, memory, and simultaneous action selection mechanics.

Game Components of TSCHAK!

Cards: Each player receives a hand of three wizards, three warriors, and three dwarf cards.

Treasures and Monsters: Various treasures and monsters that are guarded across different levels of a castle.

Artwork: Illustrated by Vincent Dutrait.

How To Setup TSCHAK!

To set up the game, each player is dealt a hand of nine cards (three wizards, three warriors, and three dwarfs). An additional wild card is also included in each hand. The game features a castle with three levels, each level having treasures and monsters that players must navigate through.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players must manage their card hands effectively to form strong teams.

Auction/Bidding: Players bid using their cards to secure treasures and avoid monsters.

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players reveal their cards in phases, adapting to the actions of other players.

Memory: Keeping track of which cards have been played is crucial.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most valuable treasures while avoiding the least desirable monsters. The game ensures that every player gets to play with every hand exactly once, through a mechanism where hands are passed to the left after each round.

Player Experience

TSCHAK aims to mitigate the luck of the draw by ensuring all players get every hand once, but it still suffers from significant random elements, particularly in the distribution of treasures and monsters. This can lead to situations where having a good hand is less advantageous due to the treasures and monsters available in that round. Despite this, the game requires strategic thinking and adaptation to the actions of other players. The passing mechanism adds a layer of fairness but also creates an illusion, as players often complain about getting bad hands at the wrong time.

Pros

Strategic Depth: There are interesting decisions to be made during gameplay.

Short and Light: Suitable as a filler game, lasting about 20-30 minutes for experienced players.

Attractive Artwork: The game features well-done artwork by Vincent Dutrait.

Cons

Random Outcomes: The game is heavily influenced by the random distribution of treasures and monsters.

Tie-Breaker Rules: Complex and often forgotten tie-breaker rules can be a nuisance.

Limited Engagement: The game does not engage players deeply, and there is little to love about it beyond a few tactical considerations.

Personal Thoughts on TSCHAK!

TSCHAK is best suited for those who enjoy light, short filler games and have a higher tolerance for luck. While it has some interesting mechanics and strategic elements, it lacks the depth and engagement that would make it a favorite among many gamers. It is a game that fills a gap but does not leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for a quick, casual game with some tactical considerations, TSCHAK might be worth a try, but it is not a game that will be remembered for generations.

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