Circle the Wagons

Button Shy, Banana Games, Djama Games · Board game · 2017
2 · best 2 15 min Weight 1.6/5
7.4 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
7.4 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

For those looking for a quick dose of strategy with a Wild West flair, Circle the Wagons is a gem! It's a two-player game that fits in your pocket and your schedule, perfect for satisfying your urge to build and score.

Highlights
  • Engaging city building
  • Fast and strategic
  • Very high replayability
  • Super portable format
Keep in mind
  • Two-player only
  • Relies on drafting luck
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Hey folks! Ready to build the coolest town in the Wild West? In Circle the Wagons, each of you will try to raise your own piece of land, but only one will be the true master builder! Here's the deal: you'll pick cards from a rotating circle and place them in your town. The trick is to connect matching territories to earn prosperity points. And don't forget those three bonus cards in the center, which can boost your score if you play smart.

This game is super fast, perfect for those who want a dynamic, no-fuss match. With over 800 different ways to score and countless combinations of drafting and placing cards, your town will never be the same as another's. It's the kind of game that makes you think about each move, but without getting bogged down in analysis. Ideal for taking anywhere, as it comes in a charming little wallet. If you enjoy strategy games with a touch of luck and tons of replayability, Circle the Wagons is a sure bet. It originated from a Button Shy design contest and proves that great games don't need to be huge!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Families

Category: Combinatorial Containers: Wallets Contests: Button Shy Game Design Contests and Challenges Country: USA Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Game: Circle the Wagons History: American Old West (Wild West) Mechanism: Partially overlapping cards Players: Games with expansions that add solo play Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: Master Print Mini (Quined) Series: Micro Game (Matagot) Series: Wallet & Box Micro Games (Button Shy)
Publisher Button Shy, Banana Games, Djama Games, Even Toys and Games, Frosted Games, Lucky Duck Games, Matagot, Quined Games, Salt & Pepper Games
Designer Danny Devine, Paul Kluka, Steven Aramini
Artist Beth Sobel, Bryan Fischer, Loïc Billiau
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Circle the Wagons?
Circle the Wagons is designed exclusively for 2 players. It offers a very focused experience for pairs!
How long does a game take?
A game is super quick, usually taking about 15 minutes to complete. Perfect for a short break or playing multiple times in a row.
Is the game difficult to learn?
No, the rules are quite simple and straightforward. You draft cards and place them in your town, trying to connect territories. You can learn it in just a few minutes!
Do I need to know how to play other games to enjoy Circle the Wagons?
Not at all! It's a standalone game and doesn't require prior knowledge of other games. It's a great entry point for strategy games.
Does the game come with many components?
It's a super compact game, designed to fit in a wallet. It comes with a deck of cards and a few tokens, but everything is very minimalist and portable.
Is it worth it for strategy game fans?
Absolutely! Despite its simplicity, it offers interesting decisions and a lot of replayability thanks to the different scoring methods and card combinations.