Schachen (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Schachen is an abstract strategy board game designed by Heinrich Glumpler and Matthias Schmitt, and published by Edition Erlkönig in in 2011. The game is designed for 2 players and has a playing time of around 30 minutes. It is suitable for players aged 6 and above, making it a great option for families.

Game Components of Schachen

Game board

Player tokens and workers

Resource cards

Territory tiles

Scoreboard and scoring tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Schachen

To set up Schachen, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses their set of tokens and workers and places them on designated starting spaces on the board. The territory tiles are shuffled and placed face down on their respective spaces on the board. Resource cards are distributed according to the rules outlined in the rulebook. Players also receive a set of starting resources and scoring tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players compete to control territories on the board.

Worker Placement: Players use their workers to perform various actions such as resource gathering, territory expansion, and scoring.

Game Objective: The objective is to accumulate the most points by controlling key territories, managing resources effectively, and optimizing worker placement.

Player Experience

Playing Schachen involves a deep strategic layer where players must balance resource management with territorial expansion. The game demands foresight and adaptability, as players need to adjust their strategies based on the actions of their opponents. The worker placement mechanic adds a layer of complexity, making each turn a puzzle to solve.

Pros

Deep Strategic Gameplay: Offers a challenging and engaging experience for strategy enthusiasts.

High Replayability: Different starting conditions and player interactions ensure no two games are the same.

Interactive: Players must constantly respond to their opponents’ moves.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players, requiring a significant learning curve.

Lengthy Games: Matches can be quite long, which may not suit all players.

Limited Availability: Currently out of stock at some retailers.

Personal Thoughts on Schachen

Schachen is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex strategy and worker placement mechanics. It is not recommended for casual players or those new to board games due to its high complexity and steep learning curve. For those who enjoy deep, engaging gameplay and are willing to invest the time to learn the rules, Schachen can offer a highly rewarding experience.

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