# Pastiche ## General Info - **Year Published**: 1985 - **BGG Rating**: — - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 1-4 - **Duration**: 20 min - **Weight**: — - **Designers**: Kate Wilhelm - **Artists**: Carl Lundgren - **Publishers**: NESFA Press - **Categories**: Word Game - **Mechanics**: Tile Placement ## Verdict Perfect for word game lovers who want something portable and quick to set up.Simple and fast rulesThree different game modesHighly portable and compactStimulates linguistic creativityMight be too simple for hardcore gamersHeavily dependent on vocabularyFOR GENRE FANS ## Description Ever thought about building sentences like you're solving a puzzle? Pastiche is exactly that: a light and straightforward game where the goal is to create grammatically correct sentences using word tiles drawn from a pile. It's the perfect kind of game for those who enjoy a quick mental challenge without needing a hundred-page manual. The game comes in a compact kit, including 120 word tiles, 40 punctuation tiles, and score sheets, all stored in a practical envelope featuring art by Carl Lundgren. The real charm here is the versatility. The rulebook doesn't just offer one way to play, but three different variations, allowing the group to adapt the experience depending on how much time they have or who is at the table. You can go from something very casual to more competitive battles over who can build the most complex or creative sentence. It's a vocabulary and syntax exercise disguised as fun, ideal for word game enthusiasts who want to step away from the obvious. It's worth noting that while some sources mention art and colors, the core of Pastiche (per BGG) is linguistic construction. If you're looking for something that stimulates creativity and mental agility, this game delivers it in a simple and efficient way. It's the right choice for those 'I want to play something, but I don't want to set up a giant board' moments. Just spread the tiles, think about the grammar, and start assembling your sentences to score points. Simple, fast, and addictive for anyone who loves playing with language! ## How to Play Goal of the Game In Pastiche, players recreate famous works of art by mixing colors to complete commission cards. The goal is to score more points than your opponents by gathering the necessary palette cards to finish these commissions. The game ends when a player reaches a specific point total (35 for 4 players, 40 for 3, or 45 for 2). The winner is the one with the most points from: Completed commissions "Useful" palette cards in hand (those that could complete unfinished commissions) Bonus for completing two works by the same artist Setup General Assembly Place the starting three-piece hexagon in the center of the table. Position the palette board next to the play area, with the palette cards stacked in their respective areas (called the palette bank). Leave the palette hexagons face down on another side of the table. Shuffle the commission cards and reveal 4 above the play area (forming the gallery). The rest forms a draw pile to the right. Player Setup Each player receives: 2 random commission cards + 2 easels to place them on 2 random palette hexagons 1 card of each secondary color (green, violet, orange, brown) 1 reference card Note: Commission cards, hexagons, and palettes in hand are secret, unless otherwise agreed upon. Gameplay Flow The game is played in rounds with turns in clockwise order. Each turn has 3 phases: Mixing Phase: Place a hexagon and collect palette cards. Painting Phase: Trade cards, commissions, or complete works (optional actions). Cleanup Phase: Adjust hand (8-card limit) and draw a new hexagon. Actions and How to Play Mixing Phase 1. Place hexagon and collect cards: Place a hexagon adjacent to another one already placed. Choose ONE of the options to collect cards: Mix small "dabs" on the hexagon vertices: combine colors of adjacent hexagons using the reference table to create new colors (e.g., red + yellow = orange). Take the large "dab" in the center: receive a primary card (red, yellow, or blue) corresponding to the color of the hexagon's center. Painting Phase (Optional Actions, in Any Order) 2. Trade palette cards: With other players: negotiate freely (only the active player may participate). With the bank: 3 cards of the same color → trade for black, white, or secondary/tertiary colors. Yellow + brown → bisque. Black + white → gray. 1 primary + any card → another primary (with a penalty). 3. Exchange 1 commission card with the gallery (maximum 1 time per turn). 4. Complete commissions: Use cards from your hand to match the colors of the artwork. Show the cards and return them to the bank. Commission cards from the gallery or your hand are immediately replenished. Cleanup Phase 5. Hand limit: Discard excess cards if you have more than 8 at the end of the turn. 6. Draw new hexagon: Take a hexagon to have 2 again. End of Game and Scoring The game ends when a player reaches the required point total (35/40/45, depending on the number of players). Everyone finishes the round so that all players have an equal number of turns. Sum: Points from completed commissions (values on the cards). "Useful" cards in hand: colors that would complete unfinished commissions (each card counts toward a maximum of 1 commission). Artist bonus: extra points for completing two works by the same artist (values on the cards). Tie-breakers: most commissions → most points in useful cards → most artist bonuses. Tips for Winning Prioritize hexagons that generate multiple cards or specific colors for your commissions. Be careful with moves that benefit the next player, such as leaving 3 "dabs" of the same color adjacent. Manage your hand: trade excess cards for valuable colors (black, white, gray) and avoid discarding. ## FAQ ### Is the game hard to learn? Not at all! The rules are super simple, and you'll be playing in a few minutes. ### How many people can play? From 1 to 4 players, making it great for solo play or a small group. ### How long does a game last? It's very quick, usually around 20 minutes. ### What's included in the box? An envelope with 120 word tiles, 40 punctuation tiles, rules, and score sheets. ### Is it suitable for children? Yes, it's a great way to help learn grammar and vocabulary in a fun way.