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 [5 of 5 Stars rating]
Quao and the Great Dalmuti on the surface have a bit in common. Both games have a "leader" who has advantages over the rest of the players, both games are played in a set number of rounds, at the end of each round the positions change, and the winner is the person who can play their last card before anyone else during the last round of the game. What makes Quao a better game in my opinion is that play is more dynamic. Dalmuti is mostly a trick taking game where the Great Dalmuti gives his/her 2 worst cards to the great peon, who has to give his/her 2 best cards to the Great Dalmuti at the beginning of round play. Quao is much more entertaining.
Each round, a secret rule is drawn by the Quao. Only the Quao (or dictator), knows what it is and decides when to enforce it (at his/her sole discretion). Every secret rule has a text that the Quao must read as he/she enforces a secret rule. It offers the player in violation an obscure clue as to what they did wrong. Most rules, when violated, result in drawing more cards. A new round of play adds an additional secret rule--leaving more rules for players to be wary of and more rules for the Quao to enforce. If the Quao is unseated during a round, the old secret rules are transferred to the new Quao.
How players use the cards in their hands dictate play. Most cards are played in turn, but JoQuer cards, which allow players the chance to avoid a penalty, are played as needed. Bully-Q cards instill additional rules on a target player. If the rule is violated, a penalty of a draw card is inflicted on the negligent player. Bully-Q cards are discarded at the end of a round. Cheata cards give specific instructions. Typically, they allow players to cheat in specified manner or to mess with other players. JaQuas when played make players reveal information about themselves (i.e. name something your mom told you not to do). Quak cards make the players perform. These cards range from making a statement by filling in the blanks to challenging someone to a thumb war to saying "Where's the bathroom?" in a foreign language. If a player fails the requirement of any card, the Quao can make the offending player draw a card.
Quao a great party game for any small group (3-6) players and is also a perfect card game for anyone who likes the flavor of classics like the Great Dalmuti, Guillotine, and Fluxx. |
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