QE (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

QE is a board game released in 2019, designed by Gavin Birnbaum and published by BoardGameTables.com. It falls under the category of economic games, where players take on the roles of central bankers bidding to save their countries from financial crisis. The game has received praise for its unique auction mechanics and strategic gameplay.

Game Components of QE

Tiles representing different industries

Bid tiles for submitting secret bids

Tokens for tracking bids and bonuses

Optional: “View Winning Bid” tokens for the fifth player expansion

How To Setup QE

To set up QE, players start by preparing the tiles and bid tiles. Each player takes on the role of a central bank, and the game begins with a player putting a tile up for auction. The auctioneer writes down an opening bid, and other players submit their secret bids. The winning bid is recorded on the back of the tile, and only the auctioneer and the winning player know the amount.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Blind Bidding: Players submit secret bids on industry tiles.

Unlimited Funds: Players can bid any amount, from $10 to exorbitant figures.

Economic Consequences: The player who spends the most money loses the game due to inflation.

Bonus Points: The player who spends the least money earns bonus victory points.

Social Deduction: Players must infer others’ spending to manage their own bids strategically.

Auction Mechanic: Each round, a different player puts a tile up for auction.

Player Experience

Playing QE is a thrilling experience, especially as you navigate the delicate balance between spending enough to win tiles and avoiding the pitfalls of inflation. The blind bidding mechanic adds a layer of social deduction, making each auction tense and unpredictable. The game encourages strategic thinking and risk management, as players must carefully consider their bids to achieve victory.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The game introduces an innovative twist on traditional auction games.

High Replayability: The blind bidding and social deduction elements ensure no two games are alike.

Engaging Strategy: Players must balance spending with the risk of inflation, making each decision critical.

Exciting Gameplay: The auctions can escalate rapidly, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

Cons

Limited Availability: Initially, the game was hand-made and had a limited run, though newer versions are being produced.

Complexity in Simplicity: While the core mechanics are simple, managing bids and inflation can become complex.

Tokens Feeling Intrusive: The “View Winning Bid” tokens, though useful, can feel out of place in the game.

Personal Thoughts on QE

QE is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong social interaction component. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate auction mechanics and are looking for a fresh take on this genre. The game’s unique blend of economic strategy and blind bidding makes it a standout in any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players or those who prefer straightforward, simple gameplay.

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