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Cartel (1973) Board Game

ByMichail

Cartel is a classic board game released in 1973 by Gamut of Games. Designed by Phil Orbanes Sr., the game has players take on the role of drug lords, competing to build the most profitable drug empire. With its economic theme and strategic gameplay, Cartel has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Cartel

  • Players:** 2-6 players
  • Age:** 10+
  • Playing Time:** Approximately 60 minutes
  • Components:** Game board, Firm and Consumer tokens, banknotes (£10, £5, £3), PRICE cards, REGULATOR cards, PENALTY cards, FINE cards, envelopes, and dice.

    How To Setup Cartel

    To set up Cartel, each Consumer selects a personal token, receives an envelope, and gets banknotes. The Regulator receives the remaining banknotes along with specific cards (REGULATOR, PENALTY, FINE) and an envelope. Consumers place their tokens at the start point on the board. Firms position themselves behind the Consumers and the Regulator. The Firms secretly set a cartel, agreeing on an initial price (£5, £10, or £15) for their services.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Cartel Formation:** Firms secretly agree on a price to charge, potentially forming a cartel.
  • Price Setting:** Firms can break the cartel by changing prices without informing rivals.
  • Consumer Interaction:** Consumers roll dice, move tokens, and pay Firms based on the landed space.
  • Regulator Role:** The Regulator enforces rules, imposes fines, and can be exposed if corrupt.
  • Game End:** The game ends if two Consumers or two Firms run out of money, or if a Consumer exposes the corrupt Regulator. The player with the highest amount of money wins.

    Player Experience

    Playing Cartel is an immersive experience that teaches strategic thinking and the consequences of collusive behavior. Players must balance the risk of cartel formation with the potential for higher profits, while also navigating the regulatory environment. The game is engaging for both economic enthusiasts and casual players, offering insights into game theory and oligopolistic markets.

    Pros

  • Educational Value:** Teaches game theory and economic principles.
  • Strategic Depth:** Encourages strategic thinking and decision-making.
  • Interactive:** Engages multiple players in a dynamic environment.
  • Replayability:** Different outcomes based on player decisions.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** May be overwhelming for younger or less experienced players.
  • Length:** Games can be quite long, lasting up to 60 minutes.
  • Specialized Theme:** May not appeal to players without an interest in economics.

    Personal Thoughts on Cartel

    Cartel is ideal for those interested in economics, game theory, and strategic board games. It is a great teaching tool for students and a challenging game for enthusiasts. However, its niche theme and complexity might limit its appeal to a broader audience. For those who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay with a unique educational twist, Cartel is definitely worth exploring.

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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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