Ben Hurt (1996) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ben Hurt is a board game released in 1996 by designer James Ernest and published by Cheapass Games. The game is set in ancient times and combines elements of dice, racing, and bidding mechanics to create a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Ben Hurt

Game board: Represents the chariot racing track.

Player tokens: Each player has a chariot token.

Cards: Used for auctioning and bidding.

Dice: For determining movement during the race.

Auction bid tokens: To track bids made during the pre-race auction.

How To Setup Ben Hurt

To set up Ben Hurt, begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a chariot token and places it at the starting line on the board. Shuffle the card deck and deal a set number of cards to each player. Determine the starting player, and ensure each player has auction bid tokens. The race-winning ‘pot’ is composed of the bids made during the auction phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction/Bidding: Players bid on cards that influence their chances in the race.

Betting/Wagering: Players can wager on the outcome of the race.

Roll and Move: Players roll dice to determine how many spaces their chariot can move.

Game Objective

The objective is to win the chariot race while managing bids and wagers strategically.

Player Experience

Playing Ben Hurt is a dynamic experience that blends strategic bidding with the unpredictability of dice rolls. Players must balance their auction bids with the risk of not winning the race, as the ‘pot’ is made up of these bids. This creates a tense and engaging environment where strategy and luck are equally important.

Pros

Interactive and Social: Encourages bidding and wagering among players, fostering a social and competitive atmosphere.

Strategic Depth: Combines auctioning and roll-and-move mechanics, offering a unique blend of strategy and luck.

High Replayability: Different card draws and player interactions ensure each game is different.

Cons

Complex Setup: The auction and bidding mechanics can take some time to set up and explain.

Luck Factor: The roll-and-move mechanic introduces a significant element of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Long Playtime: Games can take up to 60 minutes to complete.

Personal Thoughts on Ben Hurt

Ben Hurt is ideal for groups of friends or families who enjoy competitive and strategic games. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate the combination of luck and strategy, and it can be particularly appealing to fans of chariot racing or ancient themes. However, due to its complexity and longer playtime, it may not be the best fit for casual or younger players.

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