Ponzi Scheme (2015) Board Game

The term “Ponzi scheme” is named after Charles Ponzi, an Italian swindler who became infamous for using a fraudulent investment scheme in the early 20th century. The Ponzi Scheme Board Game, released in 2015, takes inspiration from Ponzi’s notorious scheme and challenges players to build their own financial empire while avoiding the pitfalls of deception and collapse.

Game Components of Ponzi Scheme

Funding board with 3 rows of 3 spaces

Funding cards with values and payment details

Stock markers for four different industries

Time wheel (a hexagon) for each player

Money tokens

Screens for hiding money

Clandestine trading envelopes

How To Setup Ponzi Scheme

To set up the game, players start with no money or stocks. Each player receives a time wheel and a screen. The funding board is populated with starting cards, valued from 9-17, arranged in rows based on their values. The three lowest valued cards are on the top row, the middle three on the middle row, and the three most valuable on the bottom row. Stock markers for each industry are placed next to the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases: Each round consists of six phases, including Funding, where players acquire stocks and funding cards; Clandestine Trading, where players can secretly bid for shares; and managing interest payments.

Funding Mechanic: Players choose stocks and corresponding funding cards, which provide upfront money but require future payments.

Clandestine Trading: Players can offer secret bids to other players to buy shares.

Interest Payments: Players must manage and pay back the amounts specified on their funding cards at the designated times.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most money by the end of the game without going bankrupt.

Player Experience

The game is filled with tension, particularly from the third turn onwards, as players must balance immediate gains with future obligations. The risk of a Market Crash and the need to cover mounting interest payments add to the tension. Players must strategically decide when to take big risks and when to conserve resources, as misjudging the game’s end can lead to bankruptcy.

Pros

High Tension: The game creates a suspenseful atmosphere as players manage their finances and risks.

Strategic Depth: Players need to balance short-term gains with long-term sustainability.

Interactive: Clandestine trading adds a social element, allowing players to negotiate and bluff.

Cons

Complexity: Managing multiple funding cards and interest payments can be daunting.

Unpredictability: The game’s outcome is heavily influenced by the timing of market crashes and other players’ actions.

Length: Games can take up to 90 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Ponzi Scheme

Ponzi Scheme is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong social element and high stakes. It is particularly suited for those who can handle complex financial management and are comfortable with a degree of unpredictability. The game’s unique mechanics and themes make it a standout in the world of board games, but it may not be the best fit for casual or beginner players.

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