Bauhaus (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bauhaus is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2013. It is designed by Edge Entertainment and is suitable for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 14 and above. The game is known for its simple yet challenging gameplay mechanics and has received mixed reviews from players and critics.

Game Components of Bauhaus

8 tokens per player, each with a different face (Circle, Square, Triangle, or X)

Action cards

Walls

Player cards with special powers

Game board featuring various terrains

How To Setup Bauhaus

Each player chooses a color and receives 8 tokens of that color, face up. At the beginning of the game, each player must place one of their tokens clockwise on any one tile of the board. The action cards are drawn and 4 of them are placed face up in the “supply” pile. For a 2-player game, 12 action cards are left out.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw and Use Action Cards: Each turn, a player must draw and use an action card from the supply.
– Place a token from your color in any tile (except closed terrains).
– Move any token from any color to any tile.
– Place walls following the picture on the card.
– Change the position of any two tokens.
– Take two walls from the supply and place them anywhere.
– Steal a wall from anywhere (except closed terrains) and place it anywhere.

Closed Terrains:
– Closed terrains with tokens of different colors are not closed for scoring and cannot be modified.
– Closed terrains with tokens of the same color give points at the end of the game and cannot be modified once closed.

Special Powers: Each player has a unique special power that can be used only once during the game.
– Blue Circle Card: Mind Control – steal an action card from another player.
– Yellow Triangle Card: Shared Control – turn all tokens in a closed terrain to score points for all players.
– Red Square Card: Forced Control – pick a token to be immovable and score if surrounded by walls.
– Black X Card: Mimetic Control – borrow any of the other three special powers.

Game End and Scoring: The game ends when the last card is used or no player can legally play any of the 4 cards from the supply. The winner is the player with the most victory points, calculated as the number of tokens times the number of tiles within a closed terrain of the same color.

Player Experience

Bauhaus offers a blend of tactical and strategic gameplay, requiring players to think ahead and manage their tokens and walls effectively. The game is relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes, and is suitable for 2-4 players aged 6 and above.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Combines tactical moves with long-term strategy.

Unique Design: Inspired by Bauhaus aesthetics, adding a touch of art to the game.

Special Powers: Adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement.

Short Playtime: Ideal for a quick gaming session.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game mechanics, while engaging, may become repetitive.

Complex Rules: The variety of action cards and special powers can be confusing for new players.

Luck Element: Drawing action cards introduces an element of luck that may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Bauhaus

Bauhaus is an excellent choice for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are appreciative of the Bauhaus design movement. It’s a great game for families or casual gamers looking for a game that is both visually appealing and intellectually stimulating. However, players seeking games with deep thematic narratives or extensive character development might find Bauhaus a bit light. Overall, it’s a fun and challenging game that encourages strategic thinking and quick decision-making.

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