High Society (1995) Board Game

High Society is a card game designed by Reiner Knizia and released in 1995 by Ravensburger. It is a fast-paced auction game where players bid on luxurious items while trying to avoid ending the game with the least amount of money. The game has received critical acclaim for its simple yet strategic gameplay.

Game Components of High Society

Money Cards: Each player starts with the same set of 11 money cards in various denominations.

Status Cards: A deck of luxury cards and negative effect cards, including recognition cards that double victory points.

Dark Green Border Cards: Four special cards that indicate the game’s end when all are revealed.

Art and Illustrations: The game features beautiful, oversized cards with illustrations by Medusa Dollmaker.

How To Setup High Society

To set up High Society, players are given the same set of 11 money cards. The status card deck is shuffled and placed in the middle. The game starts with the top card from the status deck being revealed, and the player who won the last card begins the bidding. Setup is quick, taking about 1 minute.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction System: Players bid using their money cards to acquire luxury cards or avoid negative effect cards.

Ascending Bids: Players increase their bids or pass, with the highest bidder winning the card.

Money Management: Players must manage their money carefully, as the player with the least amount of money at the end is eliminated.

End Game Trigger: The game ends when four dark green border cards are revealed.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the most fashionable by having the highest score at the end of the game, while avoiding being the player with the least amount of money.

Players aim to balance spending money to acquire valuable cards and ensuring they have enough money to stay in the game.

Player Experience

High Society is a game of tight, tense auctioneering with a simple yet deeply unintuitive auction system. Players must balance their bids carefully, considering the potential for negative effects and the need to conserve money. The game’s unpredictability, due to the random reveal of cards and the variable game length, adds to its replayability. However, the game’s punitive nature, where the highest spender is eliminated, can be off-putting for some players.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games last between 15-30 minutes, making it a great filler or end-of-night game.

Beautiful Artwork: The oversized cards and illustrations are visually appealing.

High Replayability: The random reveal of cards and variable game length ensure each game feels unique.

Tense Decision-Making: The auction mechanic creates a sense of urgency and strategic depth.

Cons

Auction-Centric: The game is entirely based on auctions, which may not appeal to everyone.

Punitive Mechanics: The player with the least money is eliminated, and negative cards can significantly impact scores.

Luck Element: The random end game trigger and card reveals can introduce a significant luck factor.

Personal Thoughts on High Society

High Society is ideal for players who enjoy auction games and are looking for a quick, strategic experience. It is recommended for those who can appreciate the nuances of bidding and money management. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more complex or theme-heavy games. The game’s unique mechanics and beautiful presentation make it a standout in Reiner Knizia’s portfolio, but it requires a receptive mindset to fully enjoy its idiosyncratic bidding system.

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