Black Friday (2010) Board Game

Black Friday is a board game released in 2010 by designer Friedemann Friese and published by KOSMOS. The game is categorized as an economic game and involves elements of betting and bluffing, commodity speculation, simulation, and stock holding. With a runtime of 55 minutes and recommended for players aged 12 and above, Black Friday challenges players to compete in a cutthroat shopping spree on the busiest shopping day of the year.

Game Components of Black Friday

Game board

5 stock markers

Silver and gold markers

Briefcases in various colors and black briefcases

Level cards

Money and subsidy cards

Special action cards

Player screens

Cloth bag

How To Setup Black Friday

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the table. Position the 5 stock markers on the value 7 space on the board. Set the silver marker on space 20 of the silver price table and on space 0 of the silver buys table. Distribute the briefcases according to the sales tables and the market. Each player takes a player screen and draws 5 random briefcases from the bag. The starting player draws 20 more briefcases to add to the market, and other players receive special action cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Stock Trading: Players buy and sell shares on a growing stock market.

Market Manipulation: Players can influence stock values by drawing briefcases that adjust market prices.

Subsidies: Players can receive subsidies to help their financial situation.

Objective: Earn the most gold and silver by skillfully buying and selling shares before the stock market crash.

Player Experience

In **Black Friday**, players start with no money and must earn cash through smart stock purchases and sales. The game features a built-in bubble that eventually explodes, forcing players to sell their shares before the market crashes. The dynamic market adjustments and the unpredictability of the black briefcases add a layer of complexity and excitement.

Pros

Interactive Market: The game’s market mechanics make each player’s actions impact the overall market.

Strategic Depth: Players need to balance buying, selling, and manipulating the market to succeed.

High Replayability: The random draw of briefcases ensures each game is unique.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game has complex rules and mechanisms that may take time to learn.

Starting Player Advantage: Without special action cards, the starting player has a slight advantage.

Luck Element: The random draw of briefcases can significantly affect gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Black Friday

**Black Friday** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic and strategic games. It offers a challenging and engaging experience, especially for those who appreciate the intricacies of stock market simulations. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players due to its complexity and the need for strategic thinking.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.