Before the Wind (2007) Board Game

Before the Wind is a board game released in 2007 by designer Torsten Landsvogt and published by Mayfair Games. The game falls under the categories of Card Game, Economic, and Nautical, offering players a unique experience in managing resources and navigating the seas.

Game Components of Before the Wind

Game board depicting a harbor

Commerce ships with specific goods requirements

Goods tiles (various types of cargo)

Player tokens and markers

Scorepad

How To Setup Before the Wind

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting position on the board. The goods tiles are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The commerce ships are arranged in the harbor area of the board, each showing the specific combination of goods it needs. Players receive a starting hand of goods tiles, and the remaining tiles are placed face down in a draw pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Gathering: Players collect goods tiles to fulfill the requirements of the commerce ships.

Interactions with Opponents: Players can negotiate, trade, and sometimes sabotage each other’s efforts.

Ship Loading: The goal is to load the ships with the correct goods before other players do.

Scoring: Points are earned for successfully loading ships and for any remaining goods in hand at the end of the game.

Player Experience

Playing Before the Wind is engaging and dynamic, as players must balance strategy with social interaction. The game encourages negotiation and trading, making it highly interactive and social. However, it also allows for a degree of competition and tactical planning, which keeps players on their toes.

Pros

High Interaction: Encourages negotiation, trading, and social interaction among players.

Strategic Depth: Combines resource gathering with tactical planning.

Thematic Consistency: The game’s mechanics fit well with its maritime theme.

Replayability: Variability in goods tiles and ship requirements ensures different experiences each game.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the intricacies of trading and resource management.

Luck Factor: The draw of goods tiles can introduce an element of luck, affecting player performance.

Length: Games can sometimes drag on as players negotiate and manage resources.

Personal Thoughts on Before the Wind

Before the Wind is a great fit for players who enjoy social interaction and resource management games. It is particularly suited for those who like to negotiate and trade with their opponents, adding a fun and dynamic element to the typical resource-gathering game. However, it may not be the best choice for players seeking a quick or simple game, as it requires time and strategic thinking.

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