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John Silver
Author: Martin Schlegel
Publisher: Eggertspiele
Year: 2006


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From the book ‘Treasure Island’ by Louis Stevenson we should know that getting the Black Spot is similar to getting relieved from the duty of Chief Pirate. As John Silver wants to continue his successful career, he tries to fight whatever he can to avoid this. In this card game for two to four players there are also Black Spots to be dealt with, as well as earning gold coins, and apples; a pirate nowadays also minds his health now and then!

Each player is dealt six cards that consist of three categories: treasure chest, pirates ship, and pirate. Each of the three categories has cards with a value of 1 to 13. Every card depicts one of the following symbols: one or more Black Spots, or a varying amount of gold coins, or some apples. All is about getting the most points, where the two players with the most Black Spots earn minus points (-8 and -4, respectively), and all earned coins and received apples are exchanged into points.
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First, a grid is assembled: the three cards representing the three categories in a row, and the four pirates cards that represent the players in a column. Within this grid, the players play their cards, one in a turn, in an empty ‘slot’, refilling their hand to six at the end of their turn. When a column of a category is full, it is scored: the player with the highest value card also gets the card with the second highest value; the player with the lowest value also gets the card with the second lowest value. A player that took a nice amount of gold, could see himself also take some Black Spots in the same trick, generously given to him by another player!
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When all players have played all their cards, scoring is done: gold coins, no problem, these are hard inflationless points. And Black Spots are minus points, we tried to avoid getting these. But the apples in our hands? They are also worth points, but not for ourselves! These apple cards all go to our next left neighbour, who scores for it. That is why during the game we carefully have to plan where, in which row, and with what value, we play a card.
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This original feature makes ‘John Silver’ an above average card trick game. Furthermore, when playing an apples card, instead of refilling the hand with a card from the blind stack, a card from the grid (except an other aplles card) can be taken, thereby eventually preventing an unwanted and unfortunate scoring. The wild cards with halve values also contribute to this tactical play; it makes it possible to go in between a position that was thought to be sure.
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The only negative remark is a minor one: the design of the box looks if it directly came from the standard function of a freeware layout program. But this is quickly forgotten once we play the game. This is what we are looking for when not in the mood for a board game: a quick, light-hearted game with some tactic elements, not too serious, but challenging enough. 'John Silver' succeeds in delivering all this.
© 2006 Richard van Vugt

John Silver, Martin Schlegel, Eggertspiele, 2006 - 2 to 4 players, 10 years and up, 30 minutes

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