James Clavell’s Noble House (1981) Board Game

James Clavell’s Noble House board game was released in 1981 by FASA and Hatch Games Limited. It is based on the novel “Noble House” by James Clavell, which is a tale of power, greed, and intrigue set in Hong Kong in the 1960s.

Game Components of James Clavell’s Noble House

Game Box: Includes the game board and box artwork.

Player Portfolios: Black cardboard portfolio booklets for each player to store their stock holdings and cash.

Stocks: Differently-colored printed tiles representing stock holdings, divided into three groups with varying values.

Assets: Picture tiles representing Airline, Shipping, Railroad, Labor, or Land assets.

Event Cards: Cards that can affect gameplay, such as lowering stock prices or causing asset losses.

Money: Beautifully illustrated, oversized money specimens.

Hong Kong Stock Exchange Pegboard: A cardboard pegboard to track stock prices.

Half Coins: Pairs of complementary half coins for negotiating favors and imposing penalties.

How To Setup James Clavell’s Noble House

To set up the game, each player receives a portfolio booklet, several assets drawn at random, and a set of event cards. Players start with four $250,000 blocks of their own stock. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange pegboard is placed in the center, and the initial stock prices are set. Players then prepare for the five rounds of stock buying and selling.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Economic Intrigue: Players take the roles of powerful Hong Kong trading houses.

Contract Fulfillment: Match assets to contracts to complete them and earn money.

Stock Market Speculation: Buy and sell stocks to gain or lose money.

Asset Leasing: Lease assets to other players to fulfill contracts.

Event Card Play: Use event cards to disrupt opponents or gain advantages.

Half Coin Negotiations: Use half coins to negotiate favors or impose penalties.

Objective: The goal is to have the most money by the end of the game, primarily by fulfilling contracts and manipulating the stock market.

Player Experience

James Clavell’s Noble House is designed for 2 to 5 players, but it is most enjoyable with 4 or 5 players due to the depth of personality-driven play and treachery involved. Players must manage their assets, stocks, and cash meticulously, as the game involves complex negotiations and strategic planning. The game’s artwork and design add to its immersive experience, especially the beautiful money specimens and the detailed player portfolios.

Pros

Immersive Theme: True to the novel, it captures the ruthless pragmatism of Hong Kong’s trading houses.

Complex Strategy: Involves deep strategic planning and negotiation.

Beautiful Artwork: High-quality artwork on the money and player portfolios.

Interactive Gameplay: Encourages treachery and side-dealing among players.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be lengthy and error-prone.

Time-Consuming: Managing assets and profit-sharing agreements can slow the game.

Luck Element: Event cards can significantly impact gameplay, introducing an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on James Clavell’s Noble House

James Clavell’s Noble House is for those who enjoy complex economic and strategic board games. It is ideal for players who appreciate games with deep gameplay mechanics, negotiation, and a bit of treachery. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those willing to dive into the world of high finance in 1970s Hong Kong.

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