Camel Up (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Camel Up is a popular board game designed by Steffen Bogen and published by eggertspiele in in 2014. The game has gained a strong following due to its unique concept of camel racing combined with betting and bluffing mechanics.

Game Components of Camel Up

Board: A desert-themed racing track, now larger and 2×2 in the second edition, featuring a pop-up tree.

Camels: Five colored camels, originally wooden but now plastic in the second edition, which are chunky and heavy.

Dice: A pyramid dice shaker releasing one die at a time, with six dice in total including the grey dice for “crazy camels” in the second edition.

Betting Tiles: Various tiles for betting on the winner of each leg and the overall race.

Oasis and Mirage Tiles: Personal tiles that can be placed to manipulate the camels’ movement.

Coins: Used for betting and earning money, now plastic in the second edition.

Cards: For predicting the overall winner and loser of the race.

How To Setup Camel Up

Setup is quick, taking about 5 minutes. Players start with three coins, a two-sided card, and a set of colored cards for betting. The board is laid out, the camels are placed at the starting line, and the dice are loaded into the pyramid dice shaker. Each player receives their starting components, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Move a Camel: Use the pyramid dice shaker to determine which camel moves and how many spaces it moves.

Bet on the Winner of the Leg: Spend coins to bet on which camel will win the current leg.

Bet on the Overall Winner/Loser: Use colored cards to bet on the overall winner or loser of the race.

Place Oasis or Mirage Tile: Use your personal tile to push camels forward or backward.

Objective: The player with the most money at the end of the race wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Camel Up** is a whirlwind of excitement and unpredictability. Players take turns making bets, moving camels, and manipulating the track with their oasis or mirage tiles. The game is full of surprises, especially with the “crazy camels” in the second edition, which can drastically change the race’s outcome. The simple yet engaging mechanics make it accessible to a wide range of players, while the random elements keep the game fresh and exciting.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple and streamlined gameplay.

High Replayability: Random dice rolls and player interactions ensure each game is unique.

Social Interaction: Encourages betting and cheering, creating a fun, competitive atmosphere.

Quality Components: The second edition features improved, high-quality components.

Quick Playtime: Games last about 30 minutes.

Cons

Randomness: The game’s outcome is heavily influenced by dice rolls, which can be frustrating for some players.

Initial Legs: The early legs of the game can be slow if players are cautious with their bets.

Dice Pyramid Issues: Sometimes the dice pyramid does not release dice smoothly.

Personal Thoughts on Camel Up

**Camel Up** is perfect for casual gamers and families looking for a fun, light-hearted game. It’s an excellent choice for groups of 2-8 players who enjoy a mix of luck and strategy. The game’s simplicity and short playtime make it ideal for relaxing after a more intense game session. While it may not offer deep strategic depth, it compensates with its high entertainment value and the joy of watching camels race unpredictably across the desert track.

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