How many players can play Flourish?

Flourish can be played with 1 to 7 players.

What is the main objective of Flourish?

The main objective is to build the best garden, either by competing for the highest score or by working together to create beautiful gardens and win medals, depending on the game mode.

How many rounds are in a game of Flourish?

A game of Flourish is played over 4 rounds.

Can I play Flourish by myself?

Yes, Flourish includes a solo option where you play competitively against an automated opponent named McGregor.

What happens in the 'Play & Pass' phase?

In the 'Play & Pass' phase, players simultaneously choose one card from their hand to play into their garden and pass one card to the player on their left and one to the player on their right.

Introduction to Flourish

Flourish is a visually appealing card-drafting game designed by James A. Wilson and Clarissa A. Wilson, where players aim to build the most beautiful and high-scoring garden. It can be played competitively, cooperatively, or even solo, offering a versatile experience for 1 to 7 players. The game is known for its beautiful artwork and accessible gameplay, making it suitable for both seasoned board gamers and newcomers.

Game Components and Setup

To begin a game of Flourish, you'll need the following components:

Cards: The main component, featuring various plants and garden features.

Scoreboards: Each player receives one to track their points, typically starting at 0.

3D Walls/Fences: Cardboard fence pieces are placed between each player to separate their gardens.

Ribbon Tokens & Medal Victory Tokens: Used in specific variants or for cooperative play.

Victory Card: A single card possibly indicating game end or scoring instructions.

Setup Steps: 1. Give each player a scoreboard, set to 0. 2. Place a Wall piece between each player. 3. Shuffle the main deck of cards and deal 6 cards to each player as their starting hand. Players look at their hand. 4. Place the remaining deck in the middle of the table. 5. Each player will build their garden in the space in front of them.

Before starting, decide whether to play competitively or cooperatively, as the rules for interaction may vary.

Core Gameplay: Play & Pass

Flourish is played over 4 rounds, with players simultaneously taking actions each turn.

Each Turn (Play & Pass Phase): 1. You will start each turn with 6 cards in your hand. 2. From these 6 cards, you must choose 1 card to play into your garden and 2 cards to pass. 3. Place the card you intend to play face down in front of you. 4. Pass one card face down to the player on your left and one card face down to the player on your right. In a two-player game, you pass two cards to the other player. 5. After all players have chosen and passed cards, everyone simultaneously reveals the card they played to their garden. 6. Draw another card to bring your hand back up to six cards. 7. Repeat this process until you have played three cards into your individual garden. This marks the end of a round. Rounds and End Game: The game consists of 4 rounds. During each round, you will play a total of 3 cards. At the end of each round, any cards with "End of Round" scoring abilities are triggered and scored. After the 4th round, when you have 12 cards in your garden, all cards with "End of Game" scoring abilities are scored.

Understanding Scoring

Cards in Flourish feature symbols representing different plant species or garden features. Scoring cards provide points based on these symbols found in various locations:

Your Own Garden: Most scoring cards will give points for plants and symbols within your personal garden.

Neighboring Gardens: Some cards will award points for elements found in one or both of your neighbors' gardens. Your neighbors are strictly the two players directly to your right and left.

Comparison Scoring: Certain cards may require you to have more of a particular plant or feature in your garden than at least one of your neighbors to score points.

Path Cards: In a two-player game, Path cards score for matching symbols in both gardens.

The icons on the cards are designed to be clear, helping novice players understand their scoring conditions without constantly referring to the rulebook.

Game Modes and Variants

Flourish offers several ways to play, catering to different preferences:

Competitive Play: Players aim to build the highest-scoring garden individually.

Cooperative Play: Players work together to create beautiful gardens and win medals based on their combined final score. In cooperative mode, players can discuss cards that have already been played, but they are not allowed to share information about cards currently in their hands.

Solo Play: You can play competitively against an automated opponent named McGregor. McGregor's card placements are random, and your objective is to maximize the difference between your score and his.

Built-in Variants and Expansions:

Compost Variant: This variant allows players to discard a card from their hand into a compost pile and draw two new cards instead of one, increasing their choices each turn but potentially extending playing time.

Garden Show Variant: Designed for competitive play, this variant involves dealing three ribbon tokens to each player, each showing a specific plant or feature. If, at the end of the game, you have more of that plant or feature in your garden than any other player, you score a bonus of 7 points. The rules suggest playing this variant over three consecutive games, totaling points across all games.

Friends & Follies Expansion: This expansion adds a small extra deck of "Friends" cards, which provide end-game bonuses if their requirements are met (e.g., points for every three roses). In competitive play, these are dealt face down, while in cooperative play, they are dealt face up.

Tips for New Gardeners

Understand Card Flow: The "Play & Pass" mechanism is central. Pay attention to what cards you are passing and what you are receiving, as this directly impacts your and your neighbors' gardens.

Scoring Synergy: Look for cards that complement each other and maximize your scoring opportunities based on the plant and feature symbols.

Consider Neighbors: Some cards score based on your neighbors' gardens or by comparing your garden to theirs. Factor this into your card choices, especially in competitive play.

Cooperative Communication: In cooperative mode, leverage the ability to discuss played cards to strategize and work towards shared goals, but remember to keep your hand information private.

Explore Variants: Once comfortable with the basic rules, try the Compost variant for more strategic choices or the Garden Show variant for competitive challenges.

Flourish: A Beginner's Guide to Cultivating Your Garden

Quick Summary