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Love Letter box image

Love Letter

Love Letter is a quick and easy deduction game for 2-6 players. Players compete to win the heart of the princess by eliminating their opponents with strategic card play and deduction.

7.52 / 10
BGG Rating
10+
age
2019
published year
2 - 6
player count
3 - 6
Recommended player count
20 mins
play time

How Complex is Love Letter?

1.12 / 5

Love Letter is easy to understand and play, with simple rules and quick gameplay, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Love Letter?

2.5 / 5

Luck plays a moderate role in Love Letter, as players draw cards randomly, but strategic card play and deduction can mitigate luck-based outcomes.

How much Player Interaction does Love Letter offer?

4.5 / 5

Love Letter offers high player interaction, as players must use deduction and strategy to eliminate opponents and win the heart of the princess, leading to engaging and competitive gameplay.

How much Replayability does Love Letter offer?

2.5 / 5

Love Letter offers high replayability due to the variety of card combinations and the different strategies players can employ to win, keeping the game fresh and engaging.

Why you should play Love Letter

Quick and easy to learn

Love Letter is a simple game that can be learned in just a few minutes, making it perfect for new players or those looking for a quick game.

Portable

The game comes in a small cloth bag making it easy to take with you on the go. It's perfect for playing while traveling or waiting for a meal at a restaurant.

Strategic gameplay

Despite its simplicity, Love Letter offers surprising strategic depth. The player must carefully select which cards to play and when, and deduce what cards their opponents hold.

Replayability

With just 21 cards in the deck, Love Letter may seem repetitive. However, random card distribution and players eliminated make each round fresh and exciting.

Fun for all ages

Love Letter is suitable for players of all ages, making it a great choice for family game night or playing with friends of different ages. The game's simple mechanics and cute artwork appeal to both kids and adults.

Why you should avoid Love Letter

Limited player count

Love Letter is designed for 2-6 players, which may not be ideal for larger groups.

Luck-based

Luck plays a significant role in the game. Players who are unlucky with their card draws may be at a disadvantage.

Limited depth

Love Letter is a fun and engaging game. However, it may not offer enough depth for more experienced gamers.

Overall, Love Letter is an excellent game for casual players or those looking for a quick and easy game. However, it may not be the right choice for those looking for a more strategic or challenging experience.

Where to find the Rules of Love Letter

Check the rules of Love Letter in a PDF file.

You can also find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Love Letter files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.

Beginner Strategies for Love Letter

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Love Letter.

Understand the objective

The goal of the game is to be the last player standing or to have the highest ranked card at the end of the round. Play with this in mind.

Know the cards

Understand the abilities of the different cards in the deck. As a result, you'll be able to make better decisions during the game.

Play conservatively

At the beginning of the game, it's advisable to play conservatively and hold onto higher-ranked cards like the Princess or the Countess. This will give you more options later in the game.

Watch your opponents

Pay attention to what cards your opponents are playing and holding onto. This will give you clues about what cards are still in the deck and what your opponents might be trying to do.

Bluff strategically

Bluffing can be a powerful tool in Love Letter, but it's important to do it strategically. Don't bluff too often or too early in the game, and make sure your bluff is believable.

Use the Guard wisely

The Guard is a powerful card that can eliminate other players from the game, but it's important to use it wisely. Try to guess which card your opponent is holding before playing the Guard, and don't waste it on a guess.

Don't forget about the Handmaid

The Handmaid is a great card to hold onto when you're in a tight spot. It protects you from being targeted by other players' cards for a turn, giving you time to regroup and plan your next move.

Keep track of the cards

As the game progresses, keep track of which cards have been played and which cards are still in the deck. This will help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of winning.

I hope these strategies help you in your Love Letter games!

Advanced Strategies for Love Letter

Be flexible

Don't get too attached to a particular strategy or card. Be willing to adapt to the changing circumstances of the game and adjust your play accordingly.

Take risks

As you become more familiar with the game, don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. This can help you catch your opponents off guard and gain an advantage.

Use the Prince effectively

The Prince is a powerful card that can eliminate other players from the game, but it's important to use it effectively. Try to target players who are holding onto high ranked cards or who you suspect are bluffing.

Keep your options open

Try to hold onto cards that give you multiple options, such as the Baron or the Priest. This will give you more flexibility and increase your chances of winning.

Pay attention to the discard pile

The discard pile can give you valuable information about which cards are still in the deck and which cards your opponents might be holding onto. Keep an eye on it and use this information to your advantage.

Don't forget about the King

The King is a powerful card that can give you an advantage in the game, but it's often overlooked. Don't forget about it and try to use it strategically.

Be patient

Love Letter is a game of patience and strategy. Don't rush your moves or make impulsive decisions. Take your time and think through your options carefully.

I hope these strategies help you improve your Love Letter gameplay!

Mechanics

Hand Management
Player Elimination
Score-and-Reset Game

Categories

Card Game
Deduction
Renaissance