Wouter & Ymke 
In the heart of the festive season, Christmas Tree presents a lively competition among elves. The objective is simple yet challenging: collect more decorations than the other players. But it’s not just about gathering; players must strategize to convert their decorations into points. Holding them too long might result in losing them to other opportunistic elves.
👥 2-5 players, ages 6+
⌛ Playing time: 15 minutes
📝 Designer: Zong-Ger
🎨 Artwork: Yuliya Derbisheva, Farosofa, Krit Kongjundee & Alina Nikitaeva
🏢 Publisher: Good Game Studio, distributed by Taiwan Boardgame Design (review copy provided)
Starting the game involves shuffling the 89 included item cards thoroughly. Each participant is then handed three cards, which serve as their initial set. The cards that remain constitute the supply deck. From this deck, cards are drawn and arranged on the table to form 5 specific rows. These rows contain 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 cards.
🔄 During their turn, which progresses in a clockwise order, players can either collect cards or score points. When a player opts to collect, they can take all the cards from one chosen row. Acquiring cards from the first row is always free. However, obtaining cards from subsequent rows requires a form of payment. For instance, if a player wishes to take cards from the second row, they need to place one of their cards in the first row. This pattern increases in complexity with each row, so if someone wants cards from the third row, they place a card in both the first and second rows.
🎴 The alternative to collecting cards is to play them in order to gain points. Players can play sets of three or more cards of the same type from their hand. The number of cards in a set determines the points: three cards are worth one point, five are worth two points, and six will earn the player three points. Some of these played cards are then kept face down in front of the player, representing their scored points, while the rest go to a discard pile.
🎅 Santa Claus, represented in the deck, is a wildcard. He can be added to any set, and if a player manages to create a set made entirely of Santa Claus cards, it prompts all opponents to discard any Santa Claus cards they might be holding. Furthermore, after scoring, if any of the competitors have two or more cards of the type that scored, they must discard half. The player who scored then gets to draw from the deck for each card discarded by others.
⏳ The game draws to an end when a player reaches a certain point threshold, which varies based on the number of players. For instance, in a two-player game, reaching seven points signals the nearing end. However, every player gets one last chance to play their cards and add to their score. After this final round, everyone reveals their points, and the elf with the highest total emerges victorious.
Christmas Tree, designed by Zong-Ger and published by Good Game Studio, is a compact card game that brings a touch of festive charm to the table. With hand management and set collection mechanics, this game caters to 2-5 players aged six and above. Each session lasts a breezy 15 minutes, making it a fast and fun experience.
🎄 At its core, Christmas Tree is about making choices: when to gather cards from the table and when to play them for points. These decisions, while simple on the surface, offer players an engaging depth. For instance, while taking cards from the first row is free, obtaining cards from subsequent rows demands a form of payment from your hand. This payment mechanism keeps players invested and challenges them to weigh their options constantly.
🎅 The wildcard Santa Claus card is a delightful twist. It’s not just a card; it’s an opportunity and a potential disruption. When played as an entire set, it can alter the course of the game by forcing opponents to rethink and readjust. Players must stay alert, not just playing their cards but also anticipating their opponents’ moves. The game rewards both strategy and adaptability.
📅 Despite its seasonal theme, solid game mechanics mean Christmas Tree isn’t just for the holidays. It can easily find its place in gaming sessions throughout the year. The variable end-game points, tailored to the number of players, is a commendable feature, ensuring the game remains brisk and exciting, irrespective of how many are playing. The endgame, with its final scoring opportunity, often holds unexpected turns, ensuring every game concludes on a high note.
💭 Christmas Tree strikes a balance between festive spirit, strategy, and spontaneity. It’s accessible for newcomers to the board gaming world, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed game night. While seasoned players seeking intricate strategy might find it a tad light, those in the mood for a quick, festive-themed, and interactive experience will find it just right.
📝 Disclaimer: We received a review copy of Christmas Tree from Taiwan Boardgame Design for this review.
