Baha (1989) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Baha is a classic card game that was released in 1989 by AMIGO and International Games. It is a trick-taking game that can be played by 2-6 players, making it a versatile choice for game nights with friends and family.

Game Components of Baha

A deck of cards numbered 1 through 14, each in different colors (purple, red, turquoise, orange)

Cards 1-8 have no point value, while cards 9-13 have increasing point values (9=1 point, 10=2 points, 11=3 points, 12=4 points, 13=5 points)

Some cards feature bull heads, which are used for scoring.

How To Setup Baha

To set up Baha, deal all the cards evenly among the players. If there are not enough cards to give everyone the same number, the extra cards are not used in the current round. Players then select three cards from their hand and pass them to the player on their right in the first round, to the left in the second round, and no cards are passed in the third round. This pattern repeats throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Trick-taking game

Objective: Score the least amount of points possible by avoiding winning tricks that contain high-point cards.

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players must follow the suit of the card played if they can.
– If a player cannot follow the suit, they can play any card.
– The player who plays the highest card of the leading suit wins the trick and takes all the cards played.
– Points are scored based on the bull heads on the cards collected during the tricks.

Player Experience

Playing Baha involves a mix of strategy and luck. The game is easy to learn but can be challenging due to the significant impact of the cards you draw. Players need to strategically pass and play cards to avoid collecting high-point cards. However, the luck of the draw can greatly influence the game, with some rounds resulting in one player accumulating a large number of points while others receive few or none.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game rules are simple and can be understood quickly.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, Baha requires strategic thinking to manage the cards effectively.

Quick Games: Rounds are relatively short, making the game a good option for casual play.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game heavily relies on the luck of the draw, which can lead to significant disparities in scoring.

Inequitable Scoring: Some rounds can result in one player receiving a large number of points, making it difficult for them to recover.

Trapped in High-Point Rounds: Players can get stuck with high-point cards, leading to repeated losses and high scores.

Personal Thoughts on Baha

Baha is suitable for those who enjoy trick-taking games and are looking for a light, casual experience. While it has some strategic elements, the game’s outcome is heavily influenced by luck, which may not appeal to players seeking more strategic depth. It is a good option for groups of 2-6 players looking for a quick and easy-to-learn game. However, players who prefer games with more consistent strategies and less luck might find Baha less satisfying.

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