Big Points (2008) Board Game

Big Points is an abstract strategy board game that was designed by Brigitte Ditt and Wolfgang Ditt. It was released in 2008 by Schmidt Spiele, a well-known German game publisher. The game is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with the best playing experience recommended for 3 to 4 players. With a quick runtime of around 20 minutes, Big Points is a great choice for game nights or casual play with friends and family.

Game Components of Big Points

5 differently colored ants (playing pieces)

Food tokens (Grapes, Apples, Bread, Cheese, Peppers)

Anthill with spaces marked as 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0

Rules cards (various types including ant placement, chocolate tokens, wine tokens, and other game variations)

Chocolate and wine tokens

How To Setup Big Points

To set up the game, place the food tokens in a line, each type grouped together. The ants are positioned at the starting line behind the food tokens. Each player should be aware of the rules cards that will be in effect for the game, as these can significantly alter gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Ant Movement: Move any ant to the next food token of its matching color.

Food Token Collection: Take the food token in front of or behind the ant’s new position.

Rules Cards: Introduce variations such as special scoring for chocolate and wine tokens, altered ant placement on the anthill, and additional obstacles.

Game Objective

The objective is to collect food tokens and have them scored based on where the ants end up on the anthill. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

**Big Points** is highly interactive, with gameplay unfolding based on the decisions of all players. The game requires strategic thinking and foresight, as moving an ant can affect not only your own score but also the opportunities available to other players. Despite its simple rules, the game has a depth that appeals to both casual and experienced gamers. Games are typically fast-paced, and the inclusion of various rules cards ensures high replayability.

Pros

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but deep in strategy.

High Replayability: Different rules cards offer varied gameplay experiences.

Interactive: Players’ decisions impact each other significantly.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide range of players (2-5).

Well-Produced: Attractive components and a clear rulebook.

Cons

Luck Element: The draw of rules cards can introduce an element of luck.

Limited Direct Control: Players do not own specific ants, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Big Points

**Big Points** is an excellent choice for both family game nights and gaming meetups. Its combination of simple rules and deep strategic elements makes it appealing to a broad audience. It is particularly good for those looking for a game that is easy to teach but still offers a challenging and engaging experience. With its high replayability and interactive gameplay, **Big Points** is a game that can be enjoyed multiple times without losing its charm.

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