Tammany Hall (2007) Board Game

Tammany Hall is a board game that was first released in in 2007. It is named after the infamous political organization in New York City that was known for its corruption and influence over city politics in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The game itself is set in the mid-1800s when Tammany Hall was at the height of its power, and players take on the roles of different political factions vying for control over the city.

Game Components of Tammany Hall

Game board divided into 3 zones, each subdivided into different wards

Ward bosses (meeples)

Immigrant cubes (representing various ethnic groups)

Political favor tokens

City office cards (Deputy Mayor, Chief of Police, Council President, Precinct Chairman)

Rulebook

How To Setup Tammany Hall

To set up the game, players start by placing a number of immigrant cubes onto the board, depending on the number of players. Additional immigrant cubes are placed in the “Castle Garden” area. Each player receives a set of ward bosses and political favor tokens. The game board is set up with the different wards, and the city office cards are prepared for later use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Negotiation: Players form temporary alliances and trade favors.

Area Control: Players deploy ward bosses and immigrants to control wards.

Backstabbing and Corruption: Players use favor tokens to influence elections and undermine opponents.

Game Objective

Deploy ward bosses and immigrants strategically to control wards.

Earn political favors by moving immigrants onto the board.

Participate in elections to control wards and earn points.

Become the mayor by controlling the most wards and earn additional points.

Use city office appointments to gain advantages or hinder opponents.

Player Experience

Playing Tammany Hall is an immersive and cutthroat experience. Players must navigate the complex web of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles to rule New York. The game encourages active power play, whether subtle or overt, and requires strategic thinking to outmaneuver opponents. The vintage-style map and board add a historical depth to the gameplay, making players feel like they are part of 19th-century New York politics.

Pros

Highly Competitive: The game is fun and intense, with a high level of competition.

Historical Depth: The real-life scenario and actions add depth and reality to the gameplay.

Simple yet Complex Strategy: The game has simple mechanics but deep strategic gameplay.

Immersive Theme: The vintage-style map and board suck you into 19th-century New York.

Cons

Ganging Up: There can be a significant ganging up factor, which can be frustrating for some players.

Complex Social Dynamics: The game requires players to manage complex social interactions and alliances.

Potential for Conflict: The cutthroat nature of the game can lead to conflicts among players.

Personal Thoughts on Tammany Hall

Tammany Hall is ideal for players who enjoy negotiation, area control, and strategic games with a historical twist. It is perfect for those who can handle a high level of competition and are willing to engage in temporary alliances and backstabbing. If you are looking for a game that combines historical context with deep strategic gameplay, Tammany Hall is an excellent choice. However, it is crucial to ensure all players are in the right headspace for the intense and sometimes ruthless gameplay.

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