Mascarade*

Mascarade is a bluffing and strategy card game that revolves around hidden identities and tactical actions. Players engage in a masquerade, taking on various roles to gain coins and outwit their opponents.

Gameplay Overview

• Hidden Roles: Each player starts with a face-down role card, unsure of their character's identity.
• Actions: Players can announce a character to use its power, swap cards with another player, or secretly check their character.
• Bluffing and Strategy: Players must bluff and strategize to claim the powers of characters, even if they're not sure of their own identity.

Game Mechanics

• Character Announcement: Claiming the power of a character without holding that card risks being challenged and losing coins.
• Card Swapping: Swapping cards under the table adds uncertainty and deception, as players may not know their new identity.
• Checking Identity: Secretly looking at one's character card helps confirm identity but uses up a turn.

Victory Conditions

• Winning the Game: The game ends when a player collects 13 coins or when a player loses all their coins, in which case the richest player wins.

Game Variations

• Flexible Characters: The game includes more character cards than players, allowing different character combinations for varied gameplay experiences.
• Recommended Characters for Beginners: First-time players are advised to use certain characters before exploring other combinations.

Conclusion

Mascarade offers a fun and engaging experience for players who enjoy bluffing, hidden identity games, and strategic manipulation. Its blend of uncertainty and tactical play, along with the variety of characters, makes it an entertaining game for groups and parties.