Deadwood (2011) – Board Game Guys

Deadwood

Deadwood is a board game for 3-8 players produced by Cheapass Games, released in 1999. The game is set in the wild-and-wooly world of classic worker placement games, where players assume the roles of bit actors working for a B-Movie Studio to make as much money as possible. The game has gained popularity due to its unique theme, fast-paced gameplay, and strategic decision-making.

Game Components of Deadwood

Board: Represents the town of Deadwood, divided into square plots.

Cowboy Tokens: 45 tokens for player control.

Cartridge Tokens: 20 tokens.

Pony Tokens: 10 tokens.

Wanted Tokens: 29 tokens.

Railroad Tiles: 4 tiles.

Sheriff Token: 1 token.

Dice: 8 dice.

Money Tokens: 50 tokens.

Building Tiles: 26 tiles.

Original Instructions: The rulebook for setting up and playing the game.

How To Setup Deadwood

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of cowboy tokens and places them in their designated area on the board. The cartridge, pony, and wanted tokens are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The railroad tiles are placed on their designated spaces on the board, and the sheriff token is positioned in the center. Players each receive a starting amount of money tokens. The building tiles are placed on their respective plots on the board. Finally, each player rolls the dice to determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their cowboy tokens on various locations on the board to perform different actions.

Take That: Players can disrupt each other’s plans by using certain tokens and actions.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most money by controlling key locations in Deadwood, completing tasks, and managing resources effectively.

Player Experience

In Deadwood, players immerse themselves in a competitive and strategic game set in the Wild West. The game combines elements of worker placement and direct conflict, making each turn dynamic and unpredictable. Players must balance resource management, area control, and tactical maneuvers to outdo their opponents.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s Wild West setting adds a unique and immersive layer to the gameplay.

Strategic Depth: Combines worker placement and take-that mechanics for a rich and challenging experience.

Replayability: With multiple paths to victory and variable player powers, the game offers high replay value.

Social Interaction: Players frequently interact and disrupt each other’s plans, enhancing the social aspect of the game.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a moderate to high complexity level, which may deter new players.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be somewhat time-consuming due to the numerous components and rules.

Component Quality: While the components are generally good, some minor issues with packaging have been noted.

Personal Thoughts on Deadwood

Deadwood is ideal for fans of strategic board games and those who enjoy a mix of resource management and direct competition. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the Wild West theme and are looking for a game that offers both depth and replayability. However, it may not be the best choice for casual or new players due to its complexity and setup time.

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