Inflation! (2019) Board Game

Inflation! is a card game designed by Taiki Shinzawa and published by Kentaiki in in 2019. The game is a trick-taking card game that can be played with 3 to 4 players and has a runtime of around 20 minutes. The game is designed for players aged 8 and above and features artwork by Daniel Newman and Misaho Sugawara.

Game Components of Inflation!

Deck of cards: Each player receives 12 cards.

Black and white buttons: Used for tracking bids and wins.

Rulebook: For setup and gameplay instructions.

How To Setup Inflation!

To set up Inflation!, shuffle the deck and deal 12 cards to each player. Place the black and white buttons in the center. Each player will use these buttons to track their bids and wins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-taking: Players must follow suit if they can, playing the same number as the first card played.

Bidding: Each player decides how many tricks they believe they can win and takes the corresponding number of black buttons.

Winning tricks: The highest number played wins the trick. If multiple players play the same highest number, the player who played it last wins.

Objective: The goal is to make the biggest number by winning tricks, while being careful not to win more tricks than initially bid.

Player Experience

Inflation is a fast-paced and fun game that quickly escalates into a competition of making the largest numbers. Players need to balance their bids with their ability to win tricks, adding a layer of strategy. The game is enjoyable for both new and experienced players, although bidding trick-taking games can be harder for new players to learn.

Pros

High portability: The game is quick and easy to carry.

Simple yet engaging mechanics: Easy to learn, but challenging to master.

Fast gameplay: Games typically last around 20 minutes.

Fun and competitive: Encourages strategic thinking and competitive spirit.

Cons

Narrow player count: Designed for 3-4 players, which might limit its appeal.

Learning curve for new players: Bidding trick-taking games can be challenging for beginners.

Dependence on player count: Strategy can vary significantly with different player counts.

Personal Thoughts on Inflation!

Inflation is ideal for those who enjoy trick-taking games and are looking for a quick, engaging experience. It’s a great introduction to bidding mechanics and can be a fun addition to any game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for large groups or those who prefer games with more complex strategies. For educators or those interested in economic simulations, Inflation can also serve as a light-hearted way to illustrate the concept of hyperinflation.

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