Bazaar (1967) Board Game

Bazaar is an abstract strategy board game that was first released in 1967 by 3M. It was designed by Sid Sackson, a well-known game designer known for creating a variety of classic board games. Bazaar has been praised for its unique gameplay mechanics and challenging strategy, making it a popular choice for players looking for a different kind of gaming experience.

Game Components of Bazaar

• Ware Cards: There are four piles of Ware Cards, each containing five cards. These cards represent various goods that players can purchase using gems. Some Ware Cards feature a star, indicating they score more points when bought.
• Exchange Cards: The game includes two Exchange Cards, which display equations for trading gems. Each card shows combinations of colored gems that players can trade, adding a strategic element to gameplay.
• Gems: Players collect colored gem chips from the bank. The number and color of gems are crucial for purchasing Ware Cards and making trades.
• Dice: A die is used to determine which color gem a player receives on their turn. Rolling a star allows the player to choose any gem color.
• Game Box and Insert: The game comes in a well-designed box with a plastic insert to keep all components organized and secure during storage.

How To Setup Bazaar

1. Prepare the Ware Cards:
   • Create four piles of Ware Cards, each containing five cards. Place these piles face-down on the table.
   • Flip the top card of each pile face-up so that players can see the available wares.
2. Select Exchange Cards:
   • Randomly draw two Exchange Cards from the deck and place them face-up next to the Ware Cards. These cards will dictate the trading equations players can use.
3. Distribute Starting Gems:
   • Each player rolls a die to determine their starting gem. The player who rolls a star can choose any color gem from the bank, while other players take the gem corresponding to their roll.
4. Game Start:
   • Players take turns in a clockwise direction, beginning with the player who rolled the highest number on their die.
5. Gameplay Overview:
   • On their turn, players can either roll the die to gain a gem or make a trade using one of the equations on the Exchange Cards. After this, they may purchase one Ware Card if they have enough gems.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Bazaar, players take turns drawing tiles from the bag and placing them on the board to create rows or columns of matching colors. Players can also trade tiles with each other to complete sets and earn money. The objective of the game is to collect sets of matching tiles and earn the most money by the end of the game.

1. Turn Structure:
   • On a player’s turn, they can either:
     • Roll a die to receive a gem of a specific color.
     • Trade gems using one of the equations from the Exchange Cards. Players can return one side of an equation and take the other side.
   • After acquiring gems, players may purchase one Ware Card if they have the required gems.
2. Scoring:
   • Points are calculated based on the number of gems left after a purchase. Fewer leftover gems yield higher scores.
   • Some Ware Cards have stars, indicating they score additional points when purchased.
3. End of Game:
   • The game concludes when all cards from two Ware piles have been sold.
   • The player with the highest score at the end wins.

Player Experience

Pros:

• Engaging strategy and decision-making
• Easy to learn rules
• Quick gameplay with a 45-minute runtime
• Suitable for a wide range of ages

Cons:

• Limited player interaction
• Luck plays a factor in tile draws
• Limited replayability

Personal Thoughts on Bazaar

Bazaar is a fun and challenging game that offers a unique gameplay experience. The build quality of the game components is good, with colorful tiles and a sturdy game board. The game falls into the category of abstract strategy, math, and puzzle games, making it a great choice for players who enjoy these genres.

In terms of pricing and availability, Bazaar can be found in both new and used condition at various retailers and online marketplaces. While there are alternatives and similar games available, Bazaar stands out for its simple yet strategic gameplay mechanics.

Overall, Bazaar is worth your time if you enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a new challenge. It is suitable for players aged 8 and up, making it a great choice for families or casual gaming sessions. However, if you prefer games with more player interaction or theme-based gameplay, Bazaar may not be the best choice for you.

Game Components of Bazaar