On Thanksgiving Day weeking (US) appropriately enough I was introduced to this fun little gem. We had four game sessions which I felt was more than enough to get a feel for the game. The basic game is what is reviewed below, as I did not yet get a chance to try the advanced rules.

This game is similar to Liar's Dice and is sometimes called Indian Poker.


Components
The game comes with:
- eight headbands, enough for that many people, with a velcro strip that goes over the players' foreheads
- 24 "vultures" -- buttons with velro to indicate how close someone is to being eliminated
- a simple rulebook on high quality gloss paper
- a mess of paper feathers that are the crux of the game
- and tomahawks which are used in the advanced game.


The Feathers
These are actually cards in the shape of feathers. Each has a number or a numeric factor on it. Most of the numbers are positive and range from 1-5, 10, 15, and 20. Some are negative, and are either -5 or -10. There are a couple of zeros (0), including one for reshuffling. Two of the cards are specials: the 2x multiplies all the positive numbers by 2; while max=0 makes the highest positive card equal to zero.


Game Play: the Math
It is important to understand the "order of operations" when playing the game. max=0 affects the total first, followed by the 2x multiplier, and then all of the negatives are subtracted from the total.


Game Play: the Fun
1. The feathers are shuffled, and each player places one into his headband without looking at it, but so that every other player can see his.

2. The players try to guess at the total based on the cards they can see. The starting player makes a bid of what he thinks that total is. This can be from negative a million to positive whatever. This is where the bluffing aspect of the game comes into play, along with trying to "psych out" the other players.

3. The next player can either call a higher number or challenge the previous total.
- a) if he gives a higher number, play passes to the next player in the cirle who has the same 2 choices: up the number or challenge.
- b) if he challenges, every player removes their feather and a total is generated. If the challenged player is under or equal to the total he called, then the challenger is "wounded" -- he receives a vulture. If the challenger is right -- that is is, the challenged player went over the total then the challenged one is wounded.

4. Play proceeds until a challenge is made. Once that is resolved, those cards are put to the side and the loser of the challenge begins the next round.
- a) if the reshuffle zero is drawn, then all of the cards will be redealt after that round is completed.
- b) a player who takes 4 wounds or vultures in a small group, or 3 vultures in a larger one is eliminated.


Opinion
- This game is a lot of fun.

- It is simple enough to teach to newbies, and would work at a family or holiday party. I think this makes it a good gateway game, especially if you want a good substitute to "Apples to Apples".

- The bluffing and deduction aspects of it make it appeal to more serious gamers. Poker players would especially enjoy those aspects.

- It can play light and silly, or heavy with intimidation and trash-talking.

- Those who are so inclined might wanted to try it as a drinking game. Instead of taking a vulture, a loser (?) would have to drink a shot.

- On the whole, there are a lot of games out there, but for sheer fun, silliness, and good game play, Pow Wow is worth a your time. Plus, it is inexpensive. Pow Wow would make a great gift without breaking the bank.