Avoiding the Long Game

Effects games tend to last 10 to 30 minutes, but every now and then we hear from someone who played a very long game. And the story usually involves the same thing…

“We kept giving each other episodes of Madness!”

In Hex Effects, it’s Hanahaki, but the idea is that the group resets each other’s progress mercilessly and the game extends for longer than usual.

Here are some suggestions for how to fix the long game

1. Prioritize the worst problems

Whether it’s Madness or Hanahaki, treat these conditions first! 

If you can’t find the treatment, go hunting for it. Look for ways to steal cards from other players, pull from the discard pile, or negotiate with other players. Negotiation can often be the thing that makes or breaks your game. 

2. Don’t punish when you can extort

Pro Effects games players bluff and bargain. Instead of simply punishing another player by triggering a severe punishment like Madness, try extortion! Ask for the card you need in exchange for NOT triggering this punishment. 

Keep in mind that the goal is to win, not to prolong the game indefinitely. So, do what you can to get the cards you need!

3. Keep your friends close and your enemies in the endgame

Effects games are “take that” games — emphasize on THAT… and also take, I suppose. But the point is that many of the mechanics in the game are geared toward sabotage and malice, however, just because you can do these things doesn’t necessarily mean you should.

Try partnering with other players. Make yourself a friend first and an enemy when you need to be.

Let us know if you have any tips for winning

in Side Effects or Hex Effects!