Objective
Ta-Ke is a strategy game where players collect Samurai tokens and Court cards to score points. The goal is to have the most victory points at the end of the game.
Components
- Samurai Tokens: Available in five different colors.
- Court Cards: Each player has access to a set of court cards.
- Shogun Marker: A special token significant for gameplay.
Setup
- Samurai tokens are shuffled and placed in a circle in the center of the play area.
- Each player receives a set of court cards.
- Prepare the game board by dividing the tokens into various sections, and place the Shogun Marker in its position.
Gameplay
The game is played over multiple rounds, each consisting of the following phases:
- Drawing a Samurai Token: Players take turns selecting a Samurai token from the pool. Consider:
- Color and position of the token influence strategic decisions.
- The player takes the token and places it in front of them.
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Only certain tokens, based on their order, can be taken – sequence matters.
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Using Court Cards:
- Players can play court cards to perform additional actions or gain bonus points.
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Each card has different abilities and should be used strategically.
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Distributing the Shogun Marker:
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This marker can shift influences, modifying the score value for particular colors.
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End of the Round:
- A round ends when all players have drawn a Samurai token.
- A new round begins with a new set of tokens placed.
Ending the Game and Scoring
- The game concludes after a pre-determined number of rounds.
- Players tally up their points from the collected Samurai tokens and court cards.
- Bonus points are awarded for certain sets or combinations.
Strategic Tips
- Plan Ahead: Think several rounds ahead and aim for potential point combinations.
- Observe Opponents: Keep track of opponents' collections to anticipate their strategy.
- Timing of Court Cards: Optimal use can be crucial for gaining significant advantages in a round.
- Control the Shogun: Retaining control of the Shogun Marker can secure strategic advantages.
Conclusion
Ta-Ke requires both tactical skill and strategic foresight. It's simple enough to be quickly learned but offers enough depth to remain engaging through many plays.
