Black Vienna (1987) Board Game

Black Vienna is a deduction card game released in 1987 that puts players in the role of spies and secret agents in the city of Vienna. Designed by Jim Ferreira, Martina Irion, and Steve Sisk, the game challenges players to uncover hidden secrets and outwit their opponents.

Game Components of Black Vienna

27 person cards (red backs) representing possible suspects

Investigation cards

Chips for marking suspects

Investigation sheets for each player

Dealer’s deck and cutting mechanism

How To Setup Black Vienna

To set up the game, the dealer shuffles the 27 person cards and sets aside the top three cards, which represent the three members of the “Black Vienna” criminal ring. The remaining 24 cards are then dealt face-down to the players. The number of cards each player receives varies: eight cards for three players, six cards for four players, and four cards for six players. If there are five players, the dealer gets four cards, and the other players get five cards each.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Distribution: Players receive a subset of the total person cards.

Investigation: Players use investigation cards to ask for alibis from other players.

Deduction: Players mark results on their investigation sheets and use deduction to figure out other players’ cards.

Special Investigations: After certain conditions are met, players can perform special investigations involving multiple cards.

Accusations: Players can accuse the three criminals at any time.

Game Objective

The goal is to be the first player to correctly identify the three members of the criminal ring “Black Vienna” through logical deductions and strategic questioning.

Player Experience

In **Black Vienna**, players engage in a thrilling manhunt, using their deductive skills to uncover the hidden criminals. Each player starts with some knowledge of who is not a criminal, as the cards in their hand are known not to be part of the ring. Players must cleverly ask questions and analyze responses to narrow down the possibilities. The game requires careful reasoning and strategic thinking, making it an engaging and challenging experience.

Pros

Pure Logic: The game relies solely on logical deductions, making it appealing for those who enjoy puzzle-solving.

No Luck: The game outcome is determined by the players’ reasoning and strategy, with no element of luck.

Replayability: With 27 possible suspects, the game offers high replayability.

Low Downtime: Players are constantly involved, either asking questions or providing alibis.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players, requiring a good understanding of the rules and deduction mechanics.

Player Elimination: While not traditional elimination, a player who makes an incorrect accusation cannot make another, which might reduce their engagement.

Personal Thoughts on Black Vienna

**Black Vienna** is an excellent choice for those who enjoy pure logic-driven deduction games. It is ideal for players who appreciate puzzle-solving and strategic thinking without the elements of bluffing or hidden roles. The game is suitable for players aged 10 and up, making it a great option for families or groups of friends looking for a challenging and engaging game. However, it may not be the best introduction to modern board games for new players due to its complex mechanics and rule set.

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