Theme The Art of Boxing Clever simulates almost all aspects of the real-life boxing match into a highly specific and player controlled, intense decision-making match experience. Aspects recreated in the board game include the stance and style of the boxers; boxer initiative, 10 attributes of the selected boxer; head/body area target selection; punch type selection, defence move selection; damage resistance attributes, increasing damage tracking; judge scoring, knockdown count sequence. In essence this unrivalled boxing game mechanism creates the feel of the real ebb and flow of a typical boxing match and the unpredictability of ‘one punch can make all the difference’. Goal The goal is to outthink and outmanoeuvre your opponent to consistently inflict damage by exploiting their weaknesses, whilst protecting your own. Damage is realised by the depletion of the opponent’s card hand until either the hand is completely depleted, or a KO or TKO is achieved through a visible damage tracking system. Gameplay The game centres around a timely selection of appropriate punch / defence cards from a tailored hand of cards specific to each fighter to inflict damage to selected areas of the opponent’s head and body. Damage is tracked and consequences are specific to each fighter. Players select their boxer depending on style, stance and attributes. For each match-up a predetermined hand of cards is dealt representing the attributes of the boxer. A 10-round match with 3 scoring judges. Each round takes the form of 5 mini-rounds which involves 5 turns of attacking and defending. Each turn includes 2 potentially defendable attack moves, one to a selected area of the head and one to an area of the body. The selection of the cards and target area is critical to achieve damage. Any damage inflicted is tracked on the gameboard and consequences to the opponent’s hand of cards is realised and the judges scoring is revealed. The play sequence thereby creates poker style opportunities for bluffing and counter bluffing, minimizing ‘Chance’ to maximize player control, creating a high sense/degree of anticipation. The variety of the cards provide multiple ways and exciting combinations to out manoeuvre your opponent. The highly player controlled mini rounds are countered by an unpredictable judge scoring system, potentially influencing player strategy. —description from the publisher