Dealer’s Choice (1972) Board Game

Dealer’s Choice is a classic board game that was first released in in 1972. It is a game that combines elements of economics, negotiation, and transportation in a unique and engaging way. The game has been enjoyed by players of all ages for decades, making it a timeless classic in the world of board games.

Game Components of Dealer’s Choice

Gameboard: Serves as a holder for game cards and money, featuring super-’70s graphics, including an image of a granny in a Corvette convertible doing a burnout.

Car Cards: 24 cars with various models from different eras, such as the 1971 Volkswagen Beetle, Jaguar E-Type, 1902 Reo, and a Sherman tank.

Blue Books: Each player has a secret blue book with different car values.

List Price Cards: Cars have list prices ranging from $2000 to $10,000.

Calamity Cards: Cards that represent theft, fire, and collision.

Insurance Cards: Players can buy insurance to protect against calamities.

Money: Used for buying and selling cars.

How To Setup Dealer’s Choice

To set up the game, players distribute the blue books and initial money. The gameboard is used to organize the car cards, money, and other game components. There is no need to move around the board; it is primarily a holder for the game’s elements.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw Cards: Players draw car cards from the auto exchange or buy from other players.

Buy and Sell: The objective is to buy cars at low prices and sell them at high prices based on the secret values in the blue books.

Calamities: Players can inflict calamities like theft, fire, or collision on each other’s cars.

Insurance: Players can purchase insurance, but its effectiveness is unknown.

Winning Condition: The game ends when the supply of autos is exhausted, and the player with the most money wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Dealer’s Choice** involves strategic buying and selling, as well as a healthy dose of deception and scheming. Players must negotiate and sometimes misrepresent the values of the cars to get the best deals. The game does not require car knowledge and is relatively easy to learn, making it accessible to a wide range of players. It is not fast-paced but offers a fun experience with opportunities to sabotage other players, adding a layer of social interaction and strategy.

Pros

Unique Theme: The game offers a unique automotive theme that stands out from other board games.

Social Interaction: Encourages negotiation, scheming, and social interaction among players.

No Cheating or Fisticuffs: Generally avoids the cheating and intense conflicts found in other games like Monopoly or Risk.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy for new players to join in.

Cons

Limited Availability: The game is no longer in production and can only be found in thrift stores or online marketplaces like eBay.

Slow-Paced: The game is not fast-paced and may not appeal to those seeking quick gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Dealer’s Choice

**Dealer’s Choice** is a game for those who enjoy strategic negotiation and social interaction. It’s perfect for car enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike, as it doesn’t require any specific car knowledge. The game’s ability to foster a fun, scheming environment without the intense conflicts of other games makes it an enjoyable addition to any board game collection. If you’re looking for a game that offers a unique blend of strategy and social play, **Dealer’s Choice** is definitely worth tracking down.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.