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Claim It! (2006) Board Game

ByMichail

Claim It! is a board game designed by Mike Raabe and released in in 2006. The game is set in the American West and combines elements of area majority/influence, dice rolling, and push your luck mechanics. Players take on the role of pioneers looking to stake their claim in the land by building settlements and outmaneuvering their opponents.

Game Components of Claim It!

  • Game board: A 6×6 grid representing the mining territory.
  • Dice: Three dice for determining row, column, and claim token number.
  • Claim tokens: White and black tokens for marking and securing claims.
  • Player markers: Color-coded markers for each player.
  • Rulebook**.

    How To Setup Claim It!

    To set up the game, place the 6×6 grid board in the center of the table. Each player chooses a color and takes all the corresponding player markers. Roll the dice to determine the first player. The white markers labeled 1 through 6 are placed next to the board, along with the black markers.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Rolling Dice: Players roll three dice to determine the row, column, and claim token number.
  • Placing Tokens: Two dice specify the row and column, while the third die indicates the claim token number. Players can choose which die serves which purpose.
  • Claiming Spaces: Players place a white claim token on an empty space or a space with an opponent’s marker but no black claim marker.
  • Securing Claims: Players can place a black claim marker on top of a white claim token or their own marker to secure the space.
  • Busting: If a player cannot place a marker due to an invalid combination, they “bust” and lose all tokens placed in that turn.
  • Game End: The game ends after a player meets the required number of safe spaces (with black markers). Each player gets one more turn, and the player with the largest connected group of spaces wins.

    Player Experience

    **Claim It** offers a dynamic and interactive experience where players balance risk and strategy. Each turn, players must decide whether to press their luck by rolling again or to secure their claims. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it appealing to both casual and experienced gamers.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.
  • High Replayability: Random dice rolls ensure each game is unique.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above.
  • Quick Games: Typical playtime is between 20-40 minutes.

    Cons

  • Luck-Dependent: Dice rolls can significantly affect gameplay, which may not appeal to players seeking more strategic games.
  • Limited Depth: The game mechanics, while engaging, are not overly complex.

    Personal Thoughts on Claim It!

    **Claim It** is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those who enjoy light-hearted, quick games with a touch of strategy. It’s perfect for a fun evening with friends or family, teaching children about risk management and strategic thinking in a playful way. However, gamers looking for deep, complex strategies might find **Claim It** too simplistic.

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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