Why First? (2015) Board Game

Why First? is a racing board game designed by Simon Havard and published by Pegasus Spiele in in 2015. The game is suitable for 2 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 7 and above. Players compete to be the first to cross the finish line by strategically managing their hand of cards and outsmarting their opponents.

Game Components of Why First?

Deck of cards: Ranging from positive 5 to -4

Pawns: Placed on the zero spot on the board

Game board: Marked with spaces from positive 6 to -12

Player cards: Each player has a card indicating their color

How To Setup Why First?

To set up Why First?, each player starts by placing their pawn on the zero spot on the board. A deck of cards is shuffled, and each player receives five cards. The game can be played with two to six players, with a dummy player added when playing with two players to maintain the second-place dynamic.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Action: Players simultaneously play cards on other players or themselves.

Movement: Players move their pawns based on the values of the cards played on them.

Objective: The goal is to be in the second place closest to the front of the board at the end of each round to score points.

Rounds: The game consists of five rounds, with scores totaled at the end to determine the winner.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the position of the player’s pawn, with players aiming to avoid being in first place to maximize their score.

Player Experience

Playing Why First? is a unique and often confusing experience, as the traditional aim of being the first to win is inverted. Players must strategically balance their moves to ensure they are in second place, which can lead to a backwards thinking process. The game offers two versions: a random, simultaneous card-play version and a more strategic version where players plan their moves sequentially.

Pros

Unique Strategy: Encourages unusual strategic thinking.

High Replayability: Multiple plays can yield different outcomes due to the random nature of the card draws.

Fun and Chaotic: Especially with more players, the game can become quite chaotic and entertaining.

Cons

Confusing Mechanics: The inverted winning condition can be confusing and may not appeal to all players.

Chaotic with Many Players: While fun, the game can become overly chaotic with six players, leading to less strategic play.

Personal Thoughts on Why First?

Why First? is ideal for gamers who enjoy unconventional strategies and are looking for a game that challenges the typical win conditions. It is not for those seeking a straightforward competitive experience but is perfect for players who appreciate the complexity and uniqueness of the game. While it may not be a game you play frequently, it offers a refreshing change from traditional board games.

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