Las Vegas (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Las Vegas is a board game designed by Rüdiger Dorn and was released in 2012 by alea. The game has received critical acclaim for its unique dice rolling and area majority/influence mechanics.

Game Components of Las Vegas

40 dice (8 in each of 5 player colors)

6 casino mats, each representing a different number from 1 to 6

54 banknote cards in denominations from $10,000 to $90,000

A “First Player” card

Optional: white dice for variant play with lower player counts

How To Setup Las Vegas

Setup is quick and easy. Each player selects a color and takes all 8 dice of that color. The casino mats are laid out in ascending order. Banknote cards are shuffled and added to each casino until the total value at each casino is at least $50,000. If the initial card’s value is less than $50,000, additional cards are drawn and added until the threshold is met. The oldest player receives the start player card, and the game begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay: Players take turns rolling their dice and choosing a number to place all the corresponding dice on the matching-numbered casino mat. Each player must place all dice of one number on one casino per turn.

Objective: The goal is to have the most dice on a casino to win the highest-value banknote associated with that casino. The game is played over four rounds, and the player with the most money at the end wins.

Ties: In case of a tie, the player with the next most dice receives the highest-valued banknote available at that casino.

Player Experience

**Las Vegas** is a fun, fast-paced game that combines luck and strategy. Players must think strategically about where to place their dice to maximize their winnings while also considering their opponents’ moves. The game is designed to be easy to learn, with a simple ruleset, making it accessible to players of all ages. The inclusion of additional white dice in lower player counts ensures the game remains engaging even with fewer players.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to all ages.

Fast-paced: Games typically last between 20-30 minutes.

Portable: The game has a small footprint, making it easy to carry and play anywhere.

Good Mix of Luck and Strategy: Engaging gameplay that balances chance and tactical decision-making.

Cons

Insert Issue: The game box insert can be slightly too small, causing components to jumble when the box is tilted.

Scalability: Some reviewers have noted that the game can feel less engaging with lower player counts, though the use of white dice helps mitigate this.

Personal Thoughts on Las Vegas

**Las Vegas** is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a light, enjoyable game that can be played in a short amount of time. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, and those who enjoy dice-rolling mechanics. The game’s balance of luck and strategy keeps it engaging, and the easy setup and rules make it a great introduction to modern board gaming. If you’re looking for a fun, quick game that’s easy to teach and play, **Las Vegas** is a solid pick.

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