Bandu (1987) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bandu is a board game that was first released in in 1987. Designed by Klaus Zoch, this game falls under the category of action/dexterity and party games. With a runtime of 15-45 minutes, Bandu is suitable for players aged 7 and above. The game involves elements of auction/bidding, stacking, and balancing, making it a challenging and fun experience for players.

Game Components of Bandu

Base blocks: Each player starts with one base block.

Bidding beans: Players begin with five bidding beans each.

Various blocks: A diverse set of blocks including egg shapes, bowling pins, cups, and other unusual shapes.

Central block pool: All the blocks not used as base blocks are placed in the center of the table.

How To Setup Bandu

To set up Bandu, each player takes a base block and five bidding beans. The unused base blocks are returned to the box. All the other blocks are placed in the center of the table. A starting player is chosen to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Block Selection and Placement: Players take turns as the auctioneer, selecting blocks and deciding whether to put them up for “to refuse” or “to bid” auctions.

Auctions:

To Refuse Auction: The block is passed to the player on the left, who must either place it on their structure or pay a bean to pass it.

To Bid Auction: Players bid beans to avoid placing the block on their structure.

Structure Building: Players aim to build a stable structure using the blocks they receive.

Elimination: If a player’s tower falls, they are eliminated unless it was due to another player’s action, in which case they can rebuild.

Winning Condition: The last player with a standing structure wins.

Player Experience

Playing Bandu involves a mix of strategy and physical skill. The diverse shapes of the blocks force players to adapt their building techniques, making each game unique. The bidding mechanic adds a layer of social interaction, allowing players to influence each other’s chances. However, the limited number of bidding beans can make the game somewhat luck-dependent, with players’ fates heavily influenced by the actions of others.

Pros

Unique Block Shapes: The variety of block shapes requires creative building strategies.

Social Interaction: The auction mechanics add a fun and interactive element.

Physical Challenge: The game tests players’ dexterity and balance skills.

Quick Games: Games are relatively short, lasting between 15 to 45 minutes.

Cons

Limited Bidding Beans: Starting with only five beans limits the strategic depth of the bidding mechanic.

Luck-Dependent: The game’s outcome can be significantly influenced by the actions of other players.

Fragile Structures: The risk of structures falling due to other players’ actions can be frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Bandu

Bandu is ideal for families and groups looking for a fun, interactive game that combines physical challenge with strategic thinking. While it shares similarities with other stacking games, the unique block shapes and bidding mechanics make it stand out. However, the limited number of bidding beans and the luck-dependent nature of the game may not appeal to players seeking more controlled outcomes. Overall, Bandu is a great choice for those who enjoy a mix of skill, strategy, and social interaction.

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