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Big Top (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Big Top is a board game designed by Mihajlo Dimitrievski and released in in 2023. The game is set in a circus theme where players take on the roles of circus owners competing to put on the best show under the big top. With a focus on economic strategy and auction mechanics, Big Top offers a unique gameplay experience for 3-4 players.

Game Components of Big Top

  • Player screens**
  • Attraction cards** with vibrant illustrations
  • Coins**
  • Bid tokens**
  • Player boards**

    How To Setup Big Top

    To set up the game, each player starts with one card in hand. The remaining cards are placed in a deck. Players also receive a player screen and some coins. The active player draws a second card from the deck and chooses one to put up for auction.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Auction Mechanics: Players take turns bidding or passing on the card up for auction. The winner pays either the previous owner of the card or the supply, depending on the situation.
  • Coin Placement: Each card has numbers in circles; players place coins on these circles by bidding matching amounts in future auctions. This mechanic applies to both the card being auctioned and cards already won.
  • Scoring: Cards only score points once all their circles are covered with coins.
  • Spite Bidding: Players can bid to prevent others from completing their cards, adding a strategic layer.
  • Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by strategically bidding and placing coins on your cards.

    Player Experience

    In **Big Top**, players are immersed in a competitive world of circus management, where each bid can significantly impact both their own score and their opponents’. The game requires careful planning and strategic bidding, as each move can affect future auctions. The dynamic of covering circles on cards with specific bid amounts adds an intriguing layer of complexity and interaction among players.

    Pros

  • Unique Auction Mechanics: The game introduces a new twist on traditional auction games by making the values of incremental bids crucial.
  • Strategic Depth: Players must balance their own goals with trying to disrupt their opponents’ plans.
  • Engaging Theme: The circus theme, complete with vibrant illustrations, adds to the game’s charm.
  • Fast-Paced: Despite its strategic elements, the game moves quickly.

    Cons

  • Lengthy Gameplay: The game can sometimes last longer than expected, which may detract from the overall experience.
  • Complex Setup: The rules and mechanics can be challenging to grasp initially, leading to a steep learning curve.
  • Limited Player Count: The game is designed for 3-4 players, limiting its versatility.

    Personal Thoughts on Big Top

    **Big Top** is ideal for fans of auction games and those who enjoy strategic, interactive gameplay. The unique mechanics and engaging theme make it a standout in its category. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking quick, simple games or those who prefer games with a broader player count. For enthusiasts of complex, socially interactive games, **Big Top** offers a delightful and challenging experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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