Sequence Board Game Review
Sequence is a strategy card game designed by Doug Reuter and published by Jax, Ltd. in 1982. It combines standard playing cards with a board-based format where players race to form rows of five chips. Supporting 2 to 12 players aged 7 and up, Sequence plays in 10 to 30 minutes. This review covers Sequence rules, components, strategy tips, and buying options.
Sequence Game Overview
Sequence blends card play with pattern building on a 10×10 grid board. Players discard cards from their hand and place colored chips on matching board spaces. The goal is to create sequences of five chips in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines.
Teams alternate turns while coordinating strategy toward victory. The game works well as an opener for game nights or as a standalone experience for mixed-age groups.
What’s in the Sequence Game Box
Sequence includes a folding game board displaying all 104 cards from two standard decks arranged in a grid pattern. The jacks are absent from the board since they serve special functions during gameplay.
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Game Board | 1 folding board |
| Playing Cards | 104 cards (2 decks) |
| Blue Chips | 50 chips |
| Green Chips | 50 chips |
| Red Chips | 35 chips |
The plastic chips stack well for storage. Red chips come in smaller quantities since they only appear in three-team games.
Sequence Board Game Pros and Cons
- Simple rules accessible for ages 7 and up, fitting well with other family board games.
- Scales from 2 to 12 players for couples or large gatherings.
- Quick 10-30 minute playtime allows multiple rounds per session.
- Team play encourages social interaction and coordination.
- Affordable price point around $18 offers excellent value.
- Card luck can override strategic decisions in close games.
- Limited depth compared to dedicated strategy board games.
- No coaching rule restricts team communication.
- Components are functional but not premium quality.
How to Play Sequence
Learning Sequence takes about five minutes. The game follows a consistent structure that keeps turns moving quickly.
Setup
Divide players into two or three teams seated in alternating positions around the table. Each team receives one color of chips. Shuffle both decks together and deal cards based on player count: seven cards for two players down to three cards for twelve players.
Turn Structure
On your turn, discard one card face-up and place a chip on a matching board space. Since each card appears twice on the board, choose the location that best supports your strategy. Draw one card to refill your hand before the next player takes their turn.
Special Cards and Sequence Rules
Two-eyed jacks act as wild cards. Play one to place your chip on any open space. One-eyed jacks remove an opponent’s chip from any incomplete sequence. Corner spaces serve as free spaces usable by all teams. Dead cards with both matching spaces already occupied can be discarded and replaced at the start of your turn.
Winning Sequence
Two-team games end when one team completes two sequences of five chips each. Three-team games require only one sequence to win. Sequences can share one chip at an intersection point.
Where to Buy Sequence
Sequence remains in print with an MSRP of $17.97. Special editions include Harry Potter Sequence, Sequence Giant, and Sequence Deluxe. Spin-offs like Sequence Dice and Sequence for Kids offer alternatives for different audiences.
Sequence Game Mechanics Explained
Sequence combines hand management with pattern building mechanics. Every card connects to two board locations, requiring spatial reasoning alongside tactical decisions. One-eyed jacks add direct player interaction that keeps games dynamic.
Team-based play adds a cooperative layer where partners must anticipate each other’s moves without verbal communication. The no-coaching rule makes reading your partner’s strategy essential to success.
Who Should Play Sequence
Sequence fits families and casual gaming groups looking for accessible entertainment. The light complexity works well for mixed-age gatherings where grandparents play alongside children.
Players who enjoy Connect Four will find familiar territory here with deeper strategic options. Party groups benefit from the team format and high player count. Sequence works alongside other abstract strategy games as a warm-up activity.
Dedicated strategists may find the game luck-dependent. Skilled players typically win over multiple rounds as experience offsets card variance.
FAQ
Is Sequence good for beginners?
Sequence ranks among the most accessible strategy games available. Rules take under five minutes to explain, and the familiar playing card format helps new players understand quickly. Children as young as seven can play effectively.
How long does Sequence take to play?
Most games finish within 10 to 30 minutes. Two-player games tend shorter, while maximum player counts extend playtime. The consistent turn structure keeps games moving at a steady pace.
What’s the best player count for Sequence?
Many players prefer four to six players divided into two teams. This count balances strategic depth with manageable coordination. Games with two or three players work but lack the team dynamic that makes Sequence memorable.
Is Sequence worth buying?
At under $20, Sequence offers strong value for families. The high player count, quick playtime, and multigenerational appeal make it a reliable addition to any game collection.
What games are similar to Sequence?
Connect Four shares the pattern-building goal in a simpler format. Pente uses similar five-in-a-row objectives on a larger grid. For team-based multiplayer games, Codenames offers word-based challenges with comparable player interaction.
