Four Colors is a board game for 2-4 players, using a deck of 81 cards with 4 different colors (red, yellow, green, and blue) and 4 different ranks (1, 2, 3, 4).
History of Four Colors
- Four Colors originates from the traditional Vietnamese game called "Tu Sac", played with a deck of Chinese chess cards. The object of the game is to arrange the cards into valid combinations of the Four Colors through the process of matching new cards to the hand and discarding unnecessary cards.
- The game is inspired by the map coloring problem, a complex mathematical problem that requires coloring adjacent areas with four colors so that no two areas are the same color. The problem is then simplified into a board game that people of all ages can enjoy.
- This game is also known as "Si Se Pai" in Chinese, meaning "four colors". This is a popular game in Vietnam and is also related to the international card game UNO, where players must also match cards by color or number and use action cards to change the progression of the game. The modern version of Four Colors is played online, offering a similar experience to UNO but with some new variations and features. This game allows players from all over the world to join and play together.
Basic game rules
- The object of the game is to create legal decks of cards according to the rules and be the first to run out of cards. Players take turns playing cards from their hand onto the discard pile, matching the color or number of the card on top of the pile. If a player cannot make a legal turn, they must draw cards from the deck until they find a playable card.
- Each player is dealt 8 cards. When it is their turn to play, the player can draw a card from the community deck or play another card to form a valid deck, for a valid deck includes at least 2 cards of the same color or rank. If there are 3 cards, they must be of the same color or rank. If there are 4 cards, they must be both the same color and of the same rank. Play will continue similarly for the next player. Whoever has the first empty card will become the winner.
- Note that players are not allowed to change the card color once they have been played. Players can use special cards to change the rules of the game or assist in card play.
Tips to easily win
Observe and remember
Pay attention to the cards other players play to predict their decks and calculate their strategies in advance. Observe the remaining cards in the community deck to make a reasonable drawing decision. Determine the deck you want to create and focus on collecting the necessary cards. Organize potential decks of cards in your head so you can quickly play them when the opportunity arises.
Use special cards
You can use color-changing cards to change the color of the deck as needed to complete the deck or block other players. Use draw 2 to slow down your opponent and make them lose more turns. Use blocking cards to prevent other players from playing down cards and protect your deck.
Prioritize short decks
Avoid keeping too many cards in your hand as this will make it difficult for you to draw the cards you need. Focus on creating short decks of 2 or 3 cards instead of trying to create long decks of 4 cards. Short decks are easier to complete and help you save cards.
Know when to let it go
Sometimes, you may realize that you cannot complete a deck with the cards in your hand. In this case, skip your turn and draw a new card. Skipping turns can help you save important cards and have a chance to draw better cards.
Block other players
You can use block cards or special cards to prevent other players from playing down cards and winning. If you have many cards of the same color or rank, try to play these decks as soon as possible. Use draw 2 to force your opponent to keep more cards in hand. Pay attention to players who are running out of cards and focus on blocking them to gain an advantage.
Functions
- The basic rules are quite easy to learn and can be played after a few minutes of instruction.
- The game is highly tactical, requiring players to have logical thinking and planning ability to win. Players need to observe and remember the cards that have been played, as well as the remaining cards in the community deck. Plan your next turns to create high-scoring decks and use special cards effectively.
- Players can play in groups of 2 or 4, helping to increase interaction and cohesion between group members. Team members need to coordinate with each other to win together. Share information about the cards you have and the cards you need to support each other.
