Filthy Rich (1998) Board Game

Filthy Rich is a board game released in 1998, designed by Christopher Rush and published by Wizards of the Coast. It falls under the economic category and is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with the best experience for 3 to 4 players. The game involves dice rolling and strategic decision-making as players compete to become the wealthiest tycoon in the game.

Game Components of Filthy Rich

A binder with 4 Ultra Pro 9-pocket card protector pages

“Filthy Rich” deck of cards

Luxury deck

Sign cards

10-sided business dice

6-sided die

Special action cards and events

How To Setup Filthy Rich

To set up the game, players start by dealing five cards from the “Filthy Rich” deck to each player. The Luxury deck and Signs are set aside but not randomized. The game begins with the first page of the binder, where players will place their business signs according to the card specifications. Each page has slot numbers visible through the plastic, which are used for dice roll references.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The first player to acquire three luxuries wins the game.

Player Turn: Players buy businesses by playing cards, place signs on the current page, and roll business dice to determine customer hits.

Dice Rolling: The number of dice rolled depends on the current page (one die for page 1, two dice for page 2, etc.). Rolling a 10 triggers taxes for all players.

Page Movement: A 6-sided die determines which page to play on next, with rolls of 5 or 6 keeping the game on the same page.

3-D Aspect: Signs placed on lower pages can be seen through the plastic sheets on upper pages, allowing for strategic placement and potential income from multiple pages.

Luxuries and Taxes: Players must pay taxes based on their business and luxury holdings. Failure to pay taxes results in liquidating assets.

Player Experience

Filthy Rich offers a light but fun experience, especially with more players. The game opens up for interesting strategies as the number of players increases, making it more engaging. However, as a two-player game, it can feel somewhat luck-dependent, with the winner often determined by lucky dice rolls. The tax mechanism serves as a great equalizer, adding a layer of complexity and risk management to the game.

Pros

Strategic Depth: With multiple players, the game offers substantial strategic opportunities.

Unique 3-D Mechanic: The use of transparent pages adds a creative and interactive element.

Quick Setup: The rules are simple and easy to understand, making setup quick.

Cons

Luck Dependency: In two-player games, luck can significantly influence the outcome.

Tax Confusion: The rules about rolling a “10” instead of a “0” for taxes can be initially confusing.

Limited Interaction: Compared to games like Monopoly, Filthy Rich lacks direct interactivity between players.

Personal Thoughts on Filthy Rich

Filthy Rich is ideal for those who enjoy light, economic-themed games with a unique twist. While it may not be the best choice for two-player sessions due to its luck-dependent nature, it shines with more players. The game’s design, though not as “upright” and 3-D as some might expect, is well-put-together and offers a fun, if somewhat simplistic, experience. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn but has some depth, Filthy Rich is worth considering, especially if you can find it at a reasonable price.

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