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Deal Me In

Deal Me In

2-4
Players
45
Minutes
10+
Age
1988
Published

Deal Me In at your next game night?

Add Deal Me In to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.

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The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.

What to Expect

In Deal Me In, players collect tiles representing playing cards and place them on an 11x11 grid to form poker hands. Similar to Scrabble, multiple hands can be formed in a single turn to score points. Special bonus squares increase the value of certain tiles. The game is lightweight and quick, requiring tactical hand management and strategic tile placement.

Who Is This Game For?

Deal Me In is a family game with a playing time of about 45 minutes. Suitable for players aged 10 and up, it offers simple rules that allow casual gamers to join without prior experience.

How It Works

Each turn, players place at least one tile on the board to create valid poker hands. Using hand management, players optimize their tile hand while tile placement lets them extend or create new hands on the grid. Bonus squares boost scoring when matched correctly. Completed five-card hands are closed off with No Entry tiles to prevent further extension.

Hand Management Square Grid Tile Placement

What Makes It Special

Designed by Robert Evans, Deal Me In blends poker hand formation with a Scrabble-like tile placement on an 11x11 grid. Though it has no major awards, its unique mix of hand management and tile placement mechanics stands out in abstract strategy games.

Pro

  • Easy to learn with clear rules
  • Unique blend of poker and Scrabble mechanics
  • Quick gameplay around 45 minutes
  • Tactical depth through hand management and tile placement

Contra

  • No solo mode available
  • Lightweight gameplay aimed at casual players
  • Minimal thematic depth or story background

Setting & atmosphere

The game is abstract with no narrative theme, focusing on placing tiles representing playing cards on an 11x11 grid.

Tips for beginners

Focus on managing your hand efficiently and use bonus squares to maximize your scoring.

Frequently asked questions

Can I play this solo?

No, Deal Me In is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

A game typically lasts about 45 minutes, making it a quick abstract strategy experience.

What prior experience do I need?

The game is family-friendly with simple rules requiring no special prior experience.

How does this compare to similar games?

Deal Me In uniquely combines poker hand formation with Scrabble-like tile placement on an 11x11 grid, differing from classic card or word games.

Is this suitable for families?

Yes, with a recommended age of 10 and up and easy rules, it fits well for family play.

What mechanic makes it special?

The combination of hand management, tile placement, and the square grid board defines the gameplay.

Fazit

Recommended for players looking for an accessible abstract game with poker elements and tactical tile laying. Less suitable for experts seeking complex strategy.

Deal Me In at your next game night?

Add Deal Me In to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.

Add Deal Me In to my collection