“Trump: The Game”
“Trump: The Game” is a board game named after Donald Trump, initially released by the Milton Bradley Company in 1989. The game was developed to teach people about business instincts and to base it on Trump’s career and his 1987 book, “The Art of the Deal”. The game has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with a rerelease by Parker Brothers in 2004.
Game Components of Trump: The Game
Game Board: Features various Trump properties such as hotels, golf courses, and office buildings.Trump Cards: These cards can be used to earn money, force other players to pay taxes, or manipulate bidding.Property Boxes: Each property box can hold money, adding a secretive element to the game.Dice: Used for movement around the board.Tokens: Players use tokens marked with a “T” to navigate the board.Money: Players start with a small loan of $500 million.
How To Setup Trump: The Game
To set up the game, each player starts with $500 million and selects a token. Players draw five Trump cards and place their tokens on the “Start” space. Each property on the board begins with $50 million inside its respective box.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most money by purchasing and trading properties, and using Trump cards strategically.Phases:Buying Phase: Players bid on properties, use special cards to influence bidding, and acquire properties.Dealing Phase: Players play cards to earn profits, make deals, and trade properties or cash.Bidding: Players can use cards like “You’re Fired” to knock others out of bidding or “The Donald” to return to bidding.Movement: Players roll dice to move around the board, with certain spaces triggering auctions or other actions.Card Play: Cards can be used to collect money, steal cards from other players, or force sales of properties.
Player Experience
Trump: The Game is known for its brutal and fun gameplay, often described as a battle of wits and strategy. Players must be clever, aggressive, and sometimes lucky to succeed. The game involves a lot of interaction, including bidding wars, trading, and using special cards to outmaneuver opponents.
Pros
Interactive and Strategic: The game requires both luck and strategic thinking, making it engaging and challenging.Shorter Than Monopoly: Unlike Monopoly, Trump: The Game has a finite runtime, making it a more manageable game night experience.Creative and Adventurous: Players appreciate the game’s creative and adventurous elements, such as the use of Trump cards and property trading.Educational Aspect: Some players find the game entertaining and educational, teaching aspects of real estate and deal-making.
Cons
Similar to Monopoly: For those who are not fans of Monopoly, Trump: The Game might feel too similar and less enjoyable.Collector’s Item: The game is increasingly seen as a collector’s item rather than a regularly played game.Theme: The Trump theme can be off-putting for some players.
Personal Thoughts on Trump: The Game
Trump: The Game is ideal for groups who enjoy bidding and deal-making games. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate a game that combines strategy, luck, and a bit of ruthlessness. However, it may not be the best fit for fans of more complex games or those who prefer games with less emphasis on real estate and financial dealings. Despite its mixed reception, the game remains a unique and intriguing addition to any board game collection.
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