Clash of Chaos and Confetti #49 – Unstable Unicorns

The Premise and Standings

Each week we’ll face off in a best of three series playing a different board game from our collection.  The winner claims the moniker of C&C Clash Champ for the week.  The loser should get their lucky horseshoe examined. The lesser player also gets to choose the game for the next week.

We will maintain a record of wins and losses throughout the year to see who finishes 2022 as the ultimate board game champ in our household.

Our current C&C Champion is Chaos after winning last week’s Yahtzee clash.

Pre-Clash Current Standings:

• Weekly Winner: 24 Chaos – 24 Confetti
• Individual game wins: 71 Chaos – 63 Confetti – 1 Draw

After losing last week, Confetti has chosen Unstable Unicorns.

The Game – Unstable Unicorns

In Unstable Unicorns, players will work to build up a collection of seven unicorns in their stables.  The first to fill their stable wins!

The game starts with each player gaining a baby unicorn to their stable and a hand of five cards.  Then, the player wearing the most colors begins the action.

During their turn a player will start by activating any beginning of turn effects (players will not start with these).  Then, they will draw one card from the deck.  Next, they may draw one additional card or play a card from their hand.  Finally, a player discards down to the hand limit (usually seven cards) if needed.  This turn format will be followed as each player takes their turn, until someone finally places that seventh and final unicorn.

Along their journey, players may draw many different types of cards.  Of course, there are the unicorn cards.  Baby unicorns start the game and are never added to the deck, player’s hands, or the discard pile.  Basic unicorns may count toward player’s unicorn numbers but have no special abilities themselves.  Magical unicorns have special effects.  These effects may trigger as they enter play or be continuous.  The card should clarify their ability.

Players may also draw four different types of action cards.  Magic cards have one time effects that are stated on them.  Instant cards can be played in response to an opponent playing a card, including another instant card.  Upgrades will have positive effects on your stable, while downgrades will be used to hurt your opponents’ stables.  

A battle between unicorns is like a knife fight, where the knives are taped to your foreheads.  Who will prove to be the ultimate unicorn?  Read more to find out!

Chaos’ Pre-Clash Thoughts:

The clash series is really coming down to the wire.  Every win counts a lot right.  We both need two weekly wins to lockdown the year.  The pressure is high.  Unstable Unicorns isn’t always the most balanced of games, so we’ll see how this one shakes out.  Here’s hoping the glitter and cuteness favors me this time around.

Confetti’s Pre-Clash Thoughts:

I am disappointed that I’ve been on such a big losing streak. Unstable Unicorns is pretty random, and I’m hoping that will at least help give me a fighting chance. I really want to win the first ever Clash series!

Game 1 –

The first game started off neck and neck with Confetti inching slowly towards victory first due to her starting the game.  Soon, both players were over halfway to their seven unicorns.  

Then, Confetti threw a downgrade towards Chaos.  This downgrade demanded a sacrificial unicorn at the start of each turn.  Normally, this would be a huge deal, but Chaos came prepared.  After sacrificing a basic unicorn, he played a pirate unicorn which sent the downgrade Confetti’s way.

Soon, Confetti’s stable of unicorns was completely depleted.  Meanwhile, Chaos inched back towards victory, but a few road bumps stood in his way.  First, he needed to draw a few more unicorns.  Secondly, Confetti did take out a few of his unicorns while she waited for her supply to vanish.

After her stable cleared out, Confetti was able to pick up the downgrade and throw it back Chaos’ way.  Now, he was finding his stable shrinking.  Thankfully, he was able to use a magic card to get rid of the downgrade.  Suddenly due to shrinkage and growth, the two players found each other near neck and neck again.

It all came down to who could draw the number of unicorns they needed and actually get them to the table (you know, the whole premise of the game).  In the end, Confetti was able to get down her final unicorn unencumbered and take the first win.  

Game 1 Winner: Confetti

Game 2 –

The second game started much like the first, with both players laying out unicorns.  The only hiccup came when Confetti soon found herself without unicorns to play.  She could only watch as Chaos built up his army of unicorns.  

Confetti stole, destroyed, and neigh’d some of Chaos’ unicorns but he kept coming within a single unicorn to victory.  At such a big disadvantage, Confetti couldn’t both close the gap and prevent Chaos’ ascent.  Finally, she found herself with no stopping power left.  

Chaos laid down Clairvoyant Unicorn as his seventh and final unicorn.  With unicorns, dreams can always come true, so Chaos was back in the fight.

Game 2 Winner: Chaos

Game 3 –

The final game saw a bit more back and forth in terms of who seemed in the lead.  Both players laid down unicorns only to see them wiped away.  It took a while, but finally they both built up a decent stable in need of only a unicorn or two.  

Sadly, unicorns are needed to win this game and both players hit a patch of no unicorn drawing.  As they desperately drew cards, hoping for the unicorn they needed, they flung spells at one another.  Chaos took a big hit as he was stuck with a downgrade card which made him discard a card at the start of every turn.  Not only could he not draw a unicorn, but he was losing any chance at card advantage as well.

Several times, Confetti went to put down a final unicorn, but Chaos neigh’d them away.  Several turns went by, but Chaos couldn’t draw the one unicorn he needed.  One unicorn to end the game!  

Once again, Confetti tried to place her final equestrian friend, and once again, Chaos neigh’d it.  But this time, Confetti neigh’d back.  Chaos, who once had a sizable hand of neighs, now found himself with none left.  

Confetti’s dragon unicorn materialized with a win to share with her.  Chaos could only rue that his stable of unicorns stunk at inviting any more friends over.

Game 3 Winner: Confetti

Your winner and NEW C&C Clash Champion: Confetti!

Chaos’ Post-Clash Thoughts:

Of course the shiny unicorns favored Confetti.  Not all is lost yet.  I just need to win back to back in order to claim the entire year as my own.  I got this!

Confetti’s Post-Clash Thoughts:

Woohoo, so excited to be back on top. If I just win one more time, I’ll have finalized my victory for the year. I really hope I can manage it. 

New Standings:

Post-Clash Standings:

• Weekly Winner: 24 Chaos – 25 Confetti
• Individual game wins: 72 Chaos – 65 Confetti – 1 Draw

Next Week: Mexican Train