Black Monday (1988) Board Game

Black Monday is a board game released in 1988 by Hexagames. It was designed by Sid Sackson, a renowned game designer known for creating classic board games. The game is set during the stock market crash of 1987, also known as Black Monday, where players take on the role of investors trying to navigate the turbulent market.

Game Components of Black Monday

Number of players: 2-6

Age range: 10+

Playing time: 45 minutes

Cards: Four cards for each corporation, representing the open market

Initial capital: $20,000 for each player to purchase stock

How To Setup Black Monday

To set up the game, each player is given $20,000 to invest in the stock market. Four cards, each representing a different corporation, are placed in the open market. This setup initializes the players’ portfolios and the market environment.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Commodity Speculation: Players speculate on stock prices to maximize their profits.

Stock Market Simulation: Players buy and sell stocks, influencing market prices.

Objective: The goal is to amass the most money by the end of the game through strategic stock transactions.

Player Experience

Playing **Black Monday** involves a mix of strategy and luck, as players navigate the fluctuations of the stock market. The game is relatively easy to learn, making it accessible to new players, but it still offers enough depth for experienced gamers to enjoy. The social aspect of competing against up to five other players adds a layer of excitement and camaraderie.

Pros

Easy to learn: Simple mechanics make it a great introduction to economic simulations.

Social interaction: Supports up to 6 players, enhancing the multiplayer experience.

Strategic depth: Despite its simplicity, it offers enough strategy to keep players engaged.

Cons

Limited realism: The game lacks some real-world stock market practices like short-selling and limit orders.

Random price behavior: Stock prices can change randomly, which may not appeal to those seeking a more realistic simulation.

Personal Thoughts on Black Monday

**Black Monday** is ideal for those looking for a light, introductory economic simulation game. It’s perfect for families or casual game nights where the focus is on fun rather than complex financial strategies. While it may not satisfy the cravings of serious stock market enthusiasts due to its simplistic nature, it serves as a great gateway to more complex economic games. If you’re in the mood for something more realistic, you might want to consider other options, but for a fun, easy-to-learn experience, **Black Monday** is a good choice.

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