Yacht Rock (2020) Board Game

Yacht Rock is a card game released in 2020 by Funko Games. It is inspired by the smooth and easy listening music genre of the same name, which originated in the 1970s and 1980s. The game aims to capture the essence of the yacht rock genre by having players compete to create the best yacht rock playlist.

Game Components of Yacht Rock

Game board

Score track

Guitar picks (player tokens)

Style cards (clothing and music styles)

Single cards

Soiree cards

Singles tokens

Cubes for scoring

How To Setup Yacht Rock

To set up the game, place the game board and score track in the middle of the table. Each player receives a guitar pick representing their chosen color and places the corresponding cubes in the starting spot on the score track. Shuffle the style cards and deal a specific number based on player count (player count times three, plus two). Deal one style card face up to each of the five style slots on the game board. Place “single” cards and “soiree” cards in designated spots, ensuring the names on these cards do not match. Finally, place singles tokens next to the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drafting Phase: Players draft style cards to create outfits or record singles. Each player takes style cards from one slot, then deals new cards to that slot and the adjacent slots.

Party Phase: After three rounds of drafting, the party phase begins. Players choose a party by placing their pick on a party card. Score points based on outfit matches with party styles, recorded singles, and specific clothing items.

Objective: Score points by matching outfit styles with party themes and recording singles to impress Southern California power brokers.

Player Experience

In **Yacht Rock**, players take on the roles of 1970s musicians aiming to impress with their style and music. The game is designed for 2-6 players and lasts approximately 25 minutes. However, the game has been criticized for its slow pace and lack of engaging gameplay, particularly for younger players.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Suitable for ages 12 and up, making it an accessible entry-level game.

Thematic Setting: Set in the laid-back atmosphere of 1970s Southern California.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last 25 minutes.

Cons

Slow Pace: Criticized for its slow gameplay, which can be boring for some players.

Lack of Engagement: The theme may not be compelling enough for younger players or those seeking more complex gameplay.

Limited Decision Points: Players have limited key decisions to make during the game.

Personal Thoughts on Yacht Rock

**Yacht Rock** is best suited for those looking for a light, casual gaming experience. It may appeal to fans of the yacht rock music genre and those who enjoy relaxed, laid-back themes. However, it lacks the depth and engagement that more complex board games offer, making it less appealing to experienced gamers or those seeking a more challenging experience. Despite this, it remains a good option for introducing new players to board gaming due to its simplicity and short playtime.

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