White Elephant (2021) Board Game

White Elephant is a party game designed by Sebastian Koziner and Rocío Ogñenovich and published by Atheris Games in in 2021. The game is inspired by the traditional gift exchange game often played during holiday parties and gatherings. Players take turns choosing gifts and engaging in lively trading and negotiations to come out on top.

Game Components of White Elephant

Cards: Each elephant has brought a unique gift, represented by cards in the game.

Gift Exchange Pool: A collection of cards that players can choose from.

Player Tokens: To keep track of whose turn it is and which gifts have been selected.

How To Setup White Elephant

To set up the game, each player brings or is given a card representing a gift. Players draw numbers to determine the order in which they will take their turns. The cards are placed face down in a common pool, and players sit in a circle or line to see the gifts as they are opened.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn-Based Gift Selection: Players take turns selecting either an unopened gift from the pool or stealing a previously opened gift from another player.

Stealing Mechanic: A gift can only be stolen once per turn, and after three swaps, the turn ends.

Final Turn: The first player can swap their gift with any other opened gift, and players can continue swapping until someone decides to keep their gift.

Objective: The goal is to end up with the most desirable gift by strategically choosing to open new gifts or steal from other players.

Player Experience

The game offers a fun and interactive experience, combining social interaction with strategic thinking. Players need to weigh the risks and benefits of stealing gifts versus opening new ones, making each turn unpredictable and engaging. The game’s light-hearted nature makes it suitable for a wide range of players, from casual gamers to those looking for a fun holiday activity.

Pros

Engaging Social Interaction: Encourages player interaction and strategic thinking.

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

High Replayability: Different gifts and player strategies ensure varied gameplay each time.

Holiday Theme: Perfect for Christmas or other gift-giving occasions.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck, which might not appeal to all players.

Potential for Lengthy Games: Depending on the number of players and the frequency of stealing, games can drag on.

Limited Depth: The game mechanics are straightforward and might not offer the complexity some players seek.

Personal Thoughts on White Elephant

White Elephant is ideal for groups looking for a fun, light-hearted game that captures the spirit of gift exchanges. It is particularly suited for holiday gatherings or office parties where the focus is on socializing and having a good time. While it may not appeal to players seeking complex strategy or deep gameplay, it excels at providing an enjoyable and engaging experience for a wide range of participants.

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