Sequence Review

Released in 1982, Sequence has been doing the rounds for 40 years now. When I was young I used to love playing it with my family. It had something for everyone. We could understand it. Our parents loved it. It had a good combination of luck and strategy. It seemed like the perfect family board game. 

So, writing as a fully grown adult, have I changed my mind? Has it stood the test of time? Is it still worth playing today? Who does it appeal to? Read on and check out our Sequence review.

Brief Overview of Sequence

Sequence is a pattern-building game that combines a unique board with regular playing cards. The aim of the game is to create sequences on the board before your opponents do. Each square on the board represents a card from the deck. Play cards from your hand to put chips on the corresponding squares on the board.  

Sequence is a great family game, suitable for all ages. Young children can easily understand the rules and, given the luck component, can actually compete with more experienced players. Up to 12 players can join in so it is also great for big groups of players. Individual games are fast, and replayability is high. 

Unboxing Sequence

Sequence includes the following components:

• 1 Rule pamphlet
• 1 Game Board
• 2 Decks of cards
• 135 Playing Chips
  • 50 Green chips
  • 50 Blue Chips
  • 35 Red Chips

The board is the centerpiece of Sequence. It’s a 10×10 grid with each square representing a card. Every card is represented twice, except the Jacks which aren’t included. Visually, it’s very colorful and you can clearly see all the cards from both decks laid out on the grid. 

The two decks of cards are standard playing cards, except for the Jacks. Two Jacks have two eyes, and two Jacks have one eye. These are the wild cards. 

The chips are nice and chunky. They feel solid in your hand and are made to last.

How to Play Sequence

The aim of the game is to make sequences on the board before your opponent by playing cards from your hand.

Single or Teams?

As little as 2 and as many as 12 players can join in on a single game. There are 3 colors of chips so up to 3 players can play singles.

With more players, split into 2 or 3 equal-sized teams — the total number of players needs to be divisible by 2 or 3. Teams need to alternate seating positions around the table so turns are equally spread out. Teams cannot show each other their cards or discuss strategy during the game.  

Setup

Position the board in the middle of the play area. Shuffle the cards and deal the appropriate amount to each player or team – up to 7 cards each for 2 players and as low as 3 cards each for 12 players. Place the rest of the shuffled cards in a draw pile next to the board. Distribute chips equally among players or teams.  

Turn-taking

The player to the left of the dealer starts. On your turn, play a card face-up into your discard pile. Place a chip on one of the two corresponding squares on the board. Draw a card and move clockwise onto the next player.

If you forget to draw a card before the next person starts their go, you cannot draw another card and will finish the game with fewer cards in your hand. If the draw pile runs out, reshuffle from the discard piles and make a new draw pile.

Creating a Sequence

To create a sequence, you need to place five chips in a row on the board – vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Other players can cut you off but are also plotting their own sequences. This involves some forward planning as you think about how the cards in your hand match with potential sequences on the table.

Jacks are wild cards and allow you to either remove an opponent’s chip or place one of your own anywhere on the board. The corner squares on the grid don’t correspond to any card and can be used by anyone to complete a sequence. 

Winning Conditions

To win the game, complete sequences faster than your opponents. Teams work on the same sequences. If there are 2 players or teams, you need to complete 2 sequences. If there are 3 players or teams you need to create 1 sequence.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very family friendly
• Large variety in the number of players

Sequence is made for families. It’s quite an achievement to make a game that appeals to children and adults. There is a high degree of luck involved in the game, considering you are relying on the cards you draw.

This mechanic is ideal for younger kids as it levels the playing field. But strategy does play a role and careful planning does yield results. The combination of luck and skill means the game appeals to quite a wide audience. 

Up to 12 people can join in so this can lead to a really interactive and fun time. You are always on your toes. It requires working together, but without being able to see each other’s cards. Or, you can play a smaller, more intimate game with just one opponent.

This feels more tactical as you are totally in control and the only variables are your opponent and the cards you draw. Whatever you prefer, Sequence allows for a lot of variety. 

Cons:

• Too much luck involved
• Not enough of a challenge

Luck can be a blessing and a curse, depending on your perspective. If you are not a fan of games that can be decided by fate, then Sequence will end up frustrating you quite a lot. You are at the whims of the board game gods. You can plan a strategy, but you’re relying on the random nature of card drawing to help you execute your plans. 

For some gamers, Sequence won’t provide enough of a challenge. Sure, you need to decide where to make your sequence, stop other players from realizing your plan, and chart a path to victory.

But once you’ve started a sequence, either you complete it or you don’t. That’s the only path to victory. For some, this won’t be enough of a challenge. 

Sequence Versions

Sequence for Kids

Sequence Letters

Jumbo Sequence

Conclusion: Verdict?

Sequence is a game for all ages. In that sense, it is a great family game if you average out the whole experience of the family. Everyone can join in, everyone can understand it and everyone can have a good time.

Usually, games are quite close so rematches are very likely. Games are also quick so players can dip in and out of rounds, leaving and rejoining between games. 

That being said, for some gamers, it leaves a lot to be desired. Luck is such a huge component in this game. You are relying on drawing the cards you need to make a sequence you have committed to.

Kids will enjoy this game the most. Parents who want to play board games with their kids will also love it. Adult friends looking for something more complex, or with more strategy involved will find Sequence quite limiting, and often frustrating.  

We hope you enjoyed our SEQUENCE review! Have you tried this classic game or any of its other versions? Drop a comment below and let us know what you think! We’d love to hear from you.