Encore!

Precision and timing are the keys to victory in Encore!, the addictive roll-and-write challenge originally published as Noch mal!. In this strategic contest, the roll of the dice dictates exactly which colours and how many spaces you are permitted to mark off on your personal playing sheet. However, the game introduces a layer of tactical interference that separates it from standard dice games. The starting player has the unique advantage of evaluating the table's progress before removing two dice from the pool, forcing everyone else to make their selections from the remaining options. This creates a constant tug-of-war between personal progress and the desire to hinder your opponents' most efficient moves.

The objective is to earn points by being the swiftest player to complete entire columns or all boxes of a specific colour. On your turn, you must choose a combination of one colour die and one number die to determine your move. There is a strict rule of connectivity: you can only check off boxes that are adjacent to those you have already marked, starting from the central column and branching outward across the grid. This spatial restriction requires you to plan several moves ahead, ensuring you do not leave yourself stranded with unusable dice combinations in the later stages of the round. Every completed column provides a score, but the biggest bonuses are reserved for those who can claim the first-place rewards before their rivals.

Encore! is designed to be played at a brisk pace, with very little downtime between turns as everyone stays engaged with the common dice pool. The balance between risk and reward is ever-present, particularly when deciding whether to use a valuable wild card to fill a difficult gap or save it for a crucial endgame manoeuvre. Because the game ends as soon as one player completes two entire colours, the pressure builds quickly, making every single die choice feel significant. Whether you are playing a quick session with family or a competitive round with experienced gamers, the simple rules and deep tactical possibilities ensure a rewarding experience that will have everyone asking to play just one more time.

• Interactive Dice Drafting: The active player can strategically remove dice from the pool, directly influencing the options available to their rivals.
• Column and Colour Scoring: Earn points through multiple pathways by prioritising the completion of vertical columns or matching colour sets.
• Connected Grid Mechanics: Features a spatial puzzle where every new mark must link to existing progress, rewarding careful layout planning.
• Fast-Paced Engagement: Simultaneous interest in every dice roll ensures minimal waiting time and keeps all participants involved in the action.
• Portable and Accessible: A compact design that is easy to learn and perfect for travel, social gatherings, or a quick gaming break.