Turncoats (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Turncoats is a board game released in 2021 by designer Matilda Simonsson and published by Milda Matilda Games. The game combines elements of abstract strategy, bluffing, medieval themes, politics, and wargame mechanics. Players are challenged to form alliances, strategically move across a hexagon grid, manage their hand of cards, and vie for control of key areas on the board.

Game Components of Turncoats

Beads (red, blue, and black) for each player

Game board featuring various regions

Battle and march circles

Player tokens

Rondel or scoring areas (though not the primary mechanic)

How To Setup Turncoats

To set up Turncoats, each player starts with a handful of 8 beads, a random assortment of red, blue, and black. The game board is laid out with different regions and the battle and march circles. Players keep their beads hidden in their hand, ready to start the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Roles: Players take on the roles of Aspirants and Interlopers.

Actions: On each turn, a player can perform one of four actions: place a bead from their hand onto any region, place a bead onto the axe, negotiate, or pass.

Resource Management: Nearly every action costs a bead, and players must balance spending beads to influence factions while retaining beads for potential victory.

Faction Control: Players influence which faction wins by placing beads in regions and managing ties through the battle and march circles.

Winning Condition: The player with the most beads of the winning faction at the end of the game wins. Tiebreakers involve the least stones of the losing color and turn order.

Player Experience

In Turncoats, players navigate a delicate balance between furthering the cause of a faction and maintaining their own influence. The game is quick, lasting about 10-15 minutes, and is reminiscent of games like The King is Dead but is simpler and more approachable. The interconnected system of incentives, influence, and tiebreakers makes the game compelling and minimizes the feeling of luck determining the outcome.

Pros

Quick Playtime: Games last only 10-15 minutes.

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: Easy to learn but with depth for strategy.

Portable: The game components fit into a portable rucksack.

Balanced Incentives: The system minimizes luck and emphasizes strategic play.

Cons

Limited Supplies: The constant need to manage dwindling bead supplies can be challenging.

Tiebreakers: Multiple tiebreakers can sometimes make the ending complex.

Personal Thoughts on Turncoats

Turncoats is ideal for players who enjoy quick, strategic games with a competitive edge. It is perfect for fans of faction-control games like Pax Pamir and The King is Dead but prefer a more streamlined experience. The game’s design makes it an excellent filler or a quick game to play during gatherings, showcasing that even dental students can create engaging tabletop experiences.

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