Stimmvieh (1998) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Stimmvieh, a German board game released in 1998, is a unique political card game designed by Daniel Müllenbach and Wolfgang Panning. The game’s title translates to “Vote Cattle” in English, reflecting its focus on political themes and mechanics. Stimmvieh challenges players to outbid each other in elections, maneuvering their way to victory through strategic bidding and simultaneous action selection.

Game Components of Stimmvieh

Politician cards: 4 suits numbered 1 to 9.

Vote cards: Include donation/vote value and influence value (1-9).

Donation cards: Include donation/vote value and influence value (1-9).

Reference cards: Show the distribution of card values.

Tableau: 4 face-up donation cards.

How To Setup Stimmvieh

To set up the game, shuffle the vote and donation cards into separate decks, placing the top card of each deck face-up. Each player chooses a color and takes the 9 corresponding politician cards, placing 4 face-down on the table as main candidates and holding the remaining 5 as backbenchers. A tableau of 4 face-up donation cards is also created.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players play one politician card per round, either a main candidate or a backbencher.
– Playing a main candidate discards it near the vote stack.
– Playing a backbencher discards it near the donation stack.

Card Collection: Players can take a face-up donation or vote card if its influence number is equal to or less than the politician card’s number.
– Refill the display with a new card based on the type of politician card played.

Scoring: After 9 rounds, players score their donations. If a player finished first or second in votes, they double their donations.

Objective: The player with the most donations, potentially doubled by vote performance, wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Stimmvieh** involves strategic card management and a delicate balance between collecting donations and securing votes. Players must maximize each of their 9 politician cards and manipulate the card display to limit their opponents’ options. The game requires memory and planning, as players need to remember the values of hidden cards and adjust their strategy accordingly.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a blend of short-term and long-term strategy.

Social Interaction: Players can influence each other’s moves through card display manipulation.

Thematic Engagement: The political theme adds a unique and engaging layer to the gameplay.

Replay Value: The random distribution of cards ensures different experiences each time.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 3-4 players, limiting larger group participation.

Complexity: May be overwhelming for younger or casual players due to the need for strategic planning.

Luck Factor: The availability of certain cards can be influenced by luck, affecting strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Stimmvieh

**Stimmvieh** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a unique theme. It is particularly suited for those interested in politics or who appreciate games that require a balance between short-term and long-term strategies. While it may not be the best fit for very young players or those seeking simple, casual gameplay, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those who enjoy deeper, more complex games.

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