PIEPMATZ

So, let me tell you about a cool game called PIEPMATZ. In this game, you get to be a bird watcher and collect birds and seeds. It’s really fun! The goal is to score the most points and win the game.

SETUP

Now, let’s talk about how to set up the game. First, you need to place the feeder base in the middle of the playing area. Make sure there are one less perch than the number of players. Then, shuffle the feeder cards and put four seed cards face down in a column above the feeder base. If there aren’t four seed cards, just replace them until you have four.

So here’s how it goes: all the other cards go in a pile above the column, with the pictures facing up. Then we shuffle the bird cards and put them facing up on each perch of the bird feeder. Now, each of us gets four bird cards. Just make sure no one else can see them!

Now for the rest of the bird cards, we place them in another pile with the pictures facing down, right next to the bird feeder pile. We’ll take three cards from that pile and line them up face up next to the draw pile. Oh, and whoever saw a bird last gets to be the starter player and keeps that card for the whole game.

LET’S PLAY!

When it’s time to play the game, each of us takes a turn to do three things. First, we pick a card from our hand and play it. Then, we see what happens because of that card. And finally, we draw some new cards to replace the ones we used. The person who goes first is decided at the start, and then we keep going around in a circle.

So, let’s talk about playing a card. When it’s your turn, you get to pick one of the birds from your hand and put it on the perch you like the best. The idea is to make a line of birds on the perch. The first bird in the line eats some seeds, while the other birds have to wait their turn. If there’s already a line of birds on the perch, you have to put your bird at the end.

When I place my bird on the perch, I can’t help but wonder how strong it really is. Will it be able to withstand the challenges that await? The strength of the birds on the ground seems like a good indicator, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

If the strength of the birds on the ground is greater than the strength of my bird on the perch, it triggers a series of actions – five, to be exact. First, I collect a seed card as a reward. Then, I add a new bird to my collection, expanding my feathered friends. If there are any bad cards that need resolution, I take care of them too. Next, I move another bird to the perch, hoping to increase my chances. And finally, I compare the strengths again, just to be sure.

Sometimes, it takes a few attempts to get it right. After all, it’s not always easy to find the perfect balance between strength and strategy. But if my bird’s total strength is lower than the birds on the ground, I still have a chance to improve my collection. I can choose a card from my hand that has greater strength than the one I added to the row. It’s all about making smart choices and seizing opportunities.

Once I’ve completed my actions, it’s time to replenish my resources. I can draw up to four new cards, refreshing my options and keeping things interesting. The seed cards that are facing up are also replenished, ensuring there’s always something tempting for the birds to feast on.

Now, here’s the fun part – I get to choose where I draw my new cards from. I can either pick from the queue, or I can delve into the bird deck for a surprise. If I decide to collect cards from the queue, it refreshes, giving me more options for future turns. It’s like a never-ending cycle of possibilities.

Before I hand over the reins to the next player, I make sure there are four seeds above the feeder. That way, everyone has a fair chance to start their turn with a bountiful harvest. The game continues, each player facing their own challenges, making strategic moves, and collecting birds along the way.

A Game Comes to an End

When there are no more cards left in the feeder deck, the game is over. It’s important to make sure that all players have had an equal number of turns before ending the game. To finish, each player must put two bird cards face down in the middle of the playing area. These last two cards will be added to their collection.

Now it’s time to tally up the points. When a player has a pair of birds, they earn five points. The player with the most birds of a specific species will win the points for that species. Unfortunately, other players won’t get any points for that species. However, if a player has a collection of chaffinches, they will earn ten points.

If you have any seed cards, their total point value equals the points you’ll earn. The player with the most points at the end wins the game!

Hi there! I’m Ellie, and I live in Northeast Tennessee. Animals, fantastical books, and the great outdoors are my passions. I’m lucky to have a loving husband and two adorable fur babies. It’s such a privilege to be a part of this amazing community.