I love board games and so does my family. That is why I was super excited to try out Po-Rum-Bo. This is a card matching game with an intersecting twist! The object of the game is to outscore your opponent. You create and strategically play sets of either 3 (aff), 4, or 5 cards on the game board. There are seven different types of hands that can be created and played on the board:
- 3 (aff) Cards Of The Same Rank
(Three Of A Kind) – Single Play Hand (x1) - 4 Cards Of The Same Rank
(Four Of A Kind) – Double Play Hand (x2) - 3 Consecutive Cards Of The Same Suit
(Three Straight Flush) – Single Play Hand (x1) - 4 Consecutive Cards Of The Same Suit
(Four Straight Flush) – Double Play Hand (x2) - 5 Consecutive Cards Of The Same Suit
(Five Straight Flush) – Triple Play Hand (x3) - 5 Consecutive Cards
(Five Straight) – Double Play Hand (x2) - 5 Cards Of The Same Suit
(Five Flush) – Double Play Hand (x2)
There are three different ways to play the seven different types of hands on the board:
- Independent Hand Creation
(Play 3, 4 Or 5 Cards)
Players can build independent hands on the board if they play at least one of their cards on one of the four green squares. - Existing Hand Intersection
(Play 1, 2 (aff), 3 Or 4 Cards)
Players can build onto existing hands on the board by intersecting one card of any existing hand(s) to create a new hand. - Existing Hand Extension
(Play 1 Or 2 (aff) Cards)
Players can build onto existing hands on the board by extending the end(s) of any existing hand(s) to create a new hand.
Confused yet? I'll be honest, the first game is a tad overwhelming, but it doesn't take too long to get how to play the game. It is definitely a strategy game, since you are trying to outscore your opponent.
Cards may only be played on the game board along one line per turn, either “Across” or “Down”. Diagonal plays are not allowed. ALL hands must be either 3, 4 or 5 cards in length. On any given turn, players can play either 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 cards on the board. Players can create, intersect and extend multiple hands per turn and they score points for every new hand created.
The best way I can describe this game is that Rummy and Poker had a baby and it's Po-Rum-Bo! It's a super fun game that you will have hours of fun with! I know we did! I also love that you can use the cards to play poker, rummy, or solitaire. This is one of the games that will be coming with us camping!
We love board games too!
My husband and I would enjoy this.