Zendo (2001) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Zendo is an abstract strategy board game that was first released in in 2001. It was designed by Alexander Bradley and Eileen Tjan and published by Looney Labs. The game revolves around players trying to deduce the secret rule that determines the construction of various structures using colorful plastic pieces. With a runtime of 15 to 60 minutes, Zendo is suitable for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Zendo

Colorful plastic pieces in various shapes

Rule cards

Pyramids of different sizes

Instruction manual

How To Setup Zendo

Place all the plastic pieces in the center of the play area.

Shuffle the rule cards and place them face down.

Determine the starting Master Builder, who will come up with the secret rule.

The Master Builder selects a rule card and constructs two structures, one that follows the secret rule and one that does not.

Players then take turns building structures based on the secret rule and guessing what that rule is.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Zendo, players take turns building structures using the plastic pieces based on the secret rule determined by the Master Builder. The objective is to correctly guess the secret rule by observing the structures built by other players and using deduction and pattern recognition.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging gameplay that encourages critical thinking and deduction skills.

Replayability due to the variety of possible secret rules.

Suitable for a wide range of player counts, from 2 to 6 players.

Cons:

Some players may find the game challenging or frustrating due to the abstract nature of the rules.

Setup and explanation of rules may be confusing for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Zendo

Zendo is a unique and thought-provoking game that offers a fun challenge for players who enjoy abstract strategy and deduction games. The build quality of the components is good, and the game falls into the mid-range pricing category. It is readily available both in new and used conditions.

For those who enjoy puzzle-solving and strategic thinking, Zendo is definitely worth your time. However, if you prefer more straightforward and traditional board games, this might not be the best choice. Overall, Zendo is recommended for players who enjoy a mental challenge and are looking for a game that offers a different experience from the usual fare.

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