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A Gest Of Robin Hood - My initial impression of this "COIN LIKE" game.

Writer's picture: Jerry JamesJerry James

This evening, ID Jester and I had our monthly Showdown game, streamed live on the @cardboardcommander YouTube channel. We chose to play A Gest Of Robin Hood, as it was my first experience with a "COIN LITE" game. In fact, I had never played any type of COIN game before. Tonight was my initial introduction to that realm. Did I enjoy it? Was it the greatest thing since sliced bread?

A COIN lite experience
A Gest Of Robin Hood

I took the role as the big bad sheriff and Jester played Robin Hood and his Merry Men. I enjoyed playing the game, although Jester likely didn't have as much fun as I did. He won quite easily and without much effort. Nonetheless, that didn't affect my enthusiasm at all. This kind of game is quite unusual for me, so I wasn't overly upset about the result. It did, however, reveal a few insights about this type of game. Let me explain.

First of all, I didn't approach it as a wargame, and here's what I mean. I wasn't looking ahead or planning for moves two to three event cards in advance. When I play a wargame, I typically strategize to position myself optimally for future turns. I understand the victory conditions and plan my moves to achieve them. I didn't do that with this game.


I didn't fully grasp the victory conditions, and once I realized I wasn't in a position to earn those victory points, I saw that Jester was heading towards a convincing win. That sinking feeling you get when you know deep down that the game is over is never pleasant. If this were a chess match, I would have tipped over my King and conceded!


In this game, the Sheriff's main objective is to maintain as many parishes in a submissive state as possible. This is crucial because the Royal Inspection segment of the game significantly rewards Robin Hood for inciting revolts in the parishes and opposing authority.

I made significant mistakes in this section of the game. Another area where I went wrong was managing the game's finances. I spent money recklessly, as if I were James Bond on a casino night. I stretched myself too thin, and soon found my choices were restricted. This strategy is far from wise.

A Gest Of Robin Hood

Finally, there was the issue of not generating enough Carriages for the game. The Sheriff can effectively fund his activities when utilizing the Carriages as intended. I failed to do this, which ultimately cost me. These were the key areas where I didn't take advantage, and Jester is skilled enough to make me suffer for my poor decisions. I believe that next time I play, I will have a better grasp of how to win the game.


This game has piqued my interest in COIN-style games, but I have one question. Are all COIN games vulnerable to significant setbacks if one player doesn't perform well? In large multiplayer games, if I were leading a faction and played carelessly, would it spoil the game for everyone? This concern might deter me from diving into a large multiplayer game like Fire in the Lake. I would hate to spoil it for the other players.


A Gest Of Robin Hood

It helps to be prepared! I found out a few weeks ago that we were going to play his game. I had planned to read the rules and watch some playthroughs. However, as many of you know, life sometimes intervenes and alters plans, which was partly the case this week. Nonetheless, I don't want anyone to think that's why I lost the game. It was my lack of skill that caused my defeat. Jester played excellently, and even on my best day, I would have struggled to beat him.


There is an excellent play guide with numerous examples, and I should have started there. It offers many great examples and guides you through the various aspects you will encounter during gameplay. I did watch the playthroughs, but I should have paid more attention to the small details that drive the game.


A Gest Of Robin Hood

Examples like the one mentioned would have been quite helpful in understanding the finer details of the game. What I'm trying to express is that I didn't really prepare myself for success. However, I had a great time and I'm eager to set this up so my wife can join me in playing. I believe it will be fantastic for both of us to learn the intricacies of effective gameplay together.


Did I enjoy the game? Definitely! Will I play it again? Absolutely, so keep an eye out because it will be featured on my channel again very soon.


If you liked this content, subscribe to the blog to see more articles like this. I'll also be posting the videos here. Visit Cardboardcommander.com to become part of our community.

Watch our game play here. It was a lot of fun! https://youtube.com/live/IcH8w-elF2c

A Gest Of Robin Hood



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