Adapt a Board Game for Fewer or More Players Than the Box Says

Three people who want to play a game designed for five, or solo play on a two-player game: the box number is the recommendation, not always the limit. This explains what the player count change actually breaks mechanically and gives a house rule for each problem. If the game truly cannot be adapted, it will say so and suggest what to play instead.

The rules of {GAME_NAME} say it is for {RECOMMENDED_PLAYERS} players, but I want to play it with {ACTUAL_PLAYERS}. Explain the main mechanical problems this creates and give me a house rule adjustment for each one. If the game genuinely does not work at this player count, say so and suggest an alternative game that plays well at {ACTUAL_PLAYERS} instead.