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China (2005) Board Game

China is a board game designed by Michael Schacht and released in in 2005. It is a territory building game set in ancient China, where players compete to control regions and build networks across the country.

Game Components of China

  • Game board featuring a map of China divided into regions
  • House and emissary pieces for each player
  • Region cards in various colors corresponding to the regions on the board
  • Wild cards
  • Rulebook

    How To Setup China

    To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Shuffle the region cards and deal a starting hand to each player. Determine the starting player randomly. Each player chooses a set of house and emissary pieces and places them within reach.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Mechanics:**
    – Area Control: Players place houses and emissaries in different regions to control them.
    – Hand Management: Players must manage their cards to play the right pieces in the right regions.
    – Set Collection: Players collect sets of houses and emissaries to score points.

  • Game Objective:**
    – The objective is to score the most victory points by strategically placing houses and emissaries in different regions.

    Player Experience

    Playing China involves a delicate balance of strategy and tactical decision-making. Players must think ahead about which regions to focus on and how to use their cards efficiently. The unique scoring system, where points are awarded based on the relative number of houses in a region, adds a layer of complexity and encourages players to think strategically about their placements.

    Pros

  • Unique Scoring System:** The scoring mechanism is innovative and forces players to balance their strategy.
  • Strategic Depth:** The game requires a mix of short-term and long-term planning.
  • Balanced Gameplay:** Rules like the “3-2-1” rule and the restriction on placing pieces in empty regions ensure balanced gameplay.

    Cons

  • Ambiguous Rules:** Some rules, particularly the end-game condition, can be ambiguous and require clarification.
  • Complex Setup:** Understanding the rules and setting up the game can be time-consuming for new players.

    Personal Thoughts on China

    China is a game that appeals to those who enjoy strategic planning and area control mechanics. It’s ideal for players who like games that require a mix of tactical and long-term strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer simple, quick games or those who are easily frustrated by complex rules. The unique scoring system and balanced gameplay make it a standout in its category, but the need for careful rule interpretation can be a barrier for some players. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for those who enjoy a challenging and engaging game.

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