Bargain Hunter (1998) Board Game

Bargain Hunter is a card game released in 1998, designed by Uwe Rosenberg and published by Queen Games. It is a game suitable for 3-4 players, with a runtime of around 45 minutes. The game revolves around set collection and trick-taking mechanics, making it an engaging and strategic experience for players aged 10 and above. The game’s artwork, done by Reinhard Horst and Patrick LaMontagne, adds to its appeal.

Game Components of Bargain Hunter

Cards: Featuring various items and two Irresistible Offer cards.

Number of Rounds: Depends on the number of players (3 players: 6 rounds, 4 players: 4 rounds).

Deck: Players are dealt eight cards each.

Bargain Pile and Junk Pile: Players have a bargain pile for collected items and a junk pile for non-matching items.

How To Setup Bargain Hunter

To set up Bargain Hunter, determine the number of rounds based on the number of players. Shuffle the cards and deal eight cards to each player. The player who most recently went to a yard sale becomes the first dealer. The rest of the cards are set aside for subsequent rounds.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-Taking Mechanics: Players lead tricks by playing a card, and others follow with cards of the same color if possible.

Set Collecting Mechanics: Players aim to add as many cards to their bargain pile as possible, with each round featuring a specific item.

Objective: Collect items to add to the bargain pile while minimizing the junk pile to score points.

Rounds: Each round consists of eight tricks, with players taking all cards played in a trick and adding matching items to their bargain pile.

Scoring: Players score one point for each card in their bargain pile and subtract one point for each card in their junk pile.

Player Experience

Bargain Hunter offers a dynamic experience where players must strategically choose which items to focus on collecting each round. The game requires a balance between winning tricks to add to the bargain pile and avoiding adding to the junk pile, which incurs penalties. The social aspect comes into play as players can see what others are collecting, allowing for strategic decisions based on this information.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines trick-taking and set-collecting for a unique gameplay experience.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and adaptability.

Social Interaction: Players can influence each other’s strategies by seeing what items are being collected.

Replayability: Variable setup and player choices ensure different experiences each game.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to multiple mechanics.

Length: Games can be lengthy, especially with more players.

Luck Factor: Card draws can significantly impact gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Bargain Hunter

Bargain Hunter is ideal for fans of trick-taking and set-collecting games who enjoy strategic depth and social interaction. It is particularly suited for experienced board game players looking for a challenging and engaging experience. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players or those new to complex board games.

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