If you need a last minute gift idea, Silver and Gold is my #1 recommendation – it’s around $15, is a super versatile, fun, and easy to learn game, and everyone loves it! It’s challenging for even the most seasoned board game players but simple enough that kids can play.
Each player gets a marker and a score card, plus 4 treasure cards. He chooses 2 of the treasure cards to keep and places the other 2 at the bottom of the deck (on the left).
A starting player is selected to run the round. He flips over expedition cards (the deck with the question mark back) one at a time until he has flipped 7 of the 8 cards.
Each card that is flipped shows a configuration of squares (think Tetris). Squares in ONLY that configuration can be marked off on ONE of the player’s two treasure cards. If the shape can’t be marked off or the player doesn’t want to, he can mark off a single square anywhere on either of his two treasure cards.
Extra points are awarded for crossing off Xs, coins, and palm trees.
Once a treasure card is completely marked off, it is placed off to the side and a new one is selected from the deck or from the tableau of 4 face up cards.
The game ends after 4 rounds (4 times through the expedition deck, rotating the starting player). Points are figured and recorded on each player’s score card, added, and the winner is the player with the most points!
This game requires A LOT of thinking. There are many many strategies that can be employed; it’s much more complex to play than it sounds to explain. It’s a great thinking game for minds of all ages, it’s fast paced, and so much fun!
I’ve never yet played only one game in a sitting. We just can’t stop!
My kids love to play with each other and have taught many of their friends. We’ve played it with our adult friends too, it’s our go-to group game because it’s puzzle-y, quick, strategic, and social. The scoring requires some difficult addition as well, so it’s great math practice for my GAMESCHOOLING friends.
We love this game and we think you will too. Get it for yourselves or to share with friends this holiday season. Thanks to Pandasaurus Games for sharing it with us!
