Contraband (1950) Board Game

Contraband is a classic board game that was first released in in 1950. It is a bluffing and card game that revolves around the theme of smuggling. The game has been enjoyed by players of all ages for decades and has been published by various companies such as Lagoon Games, MB Jeux, and MB Spiele.

Game Components of Contraband

Cards: 54 cards, including 7 sets of 4 cards each depicting duty-payable goods (e.g., whisky, necklace, perfume, watch, nylon stockings, camera), 24 cards showing mixed goods, and special cards like the crown jewels and a briefcase.

Money: Peps Currency token money, divided into various denominations (£5, £10, £20, £50, £100, £200).

Rule Booklet: Includes lists of customs duty payable and fines for attempting to avoid customs duty.

How To Setup Contraband

To set up the game, a Customs Officer is chosen by agreement or by dealing one card to each player; the player with the card of the highest dutiable value becomes the Customs Officer. The Customs Officer divides the £10,000 token money equally among the players and shuffles the card pack. The pack is placed face down in the center of the table. Each player, starting with the one to the left of the Customs Officer, draws the top four cards and makes a declaration about their luggage to the Customs Officer.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay: Players take turns drawing cards and declaring the contents of their luggage to the Customs Officer. The declaration can be true or false.

Objective: The goal is to smuggle contraband through customs without paying duty, while avoiding fines for undeclared items.

Key Mechanics:
– Declaration: Players declare what they have in their luggage.
– Inspection: The Customs Officer can inspect the luggage to check for contraband.
– Fines and Rewards: Players pay duty for declared items or fines for undeclared contraband. Correct declarations earn compensation.
– Accusations: Other players can accuse the current player of lying and gain rewards if correct.

Game End: The game ends when players decide to stop playing, and the player with the most money wins.

Player Experience

Contraband offers a mix of bluffing and strategy, making it engaging for players who enjoy lying and guessing. However, the game can be lengthy, especially with multiple players, as each player takes turns as the Customs Officer and the deck of cards must be exhausted multiple times.

Pros

Interactive Bluffing: Encourages player interaction and bluffing, adding a layer of fun and strategy.

Historical Interest: Includes items prized in the post-war era, such as nylon stockings, which adds a historical context.

Simple yet Engaging Rules: Easy to learn but requires strategic thinking.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: The game can be very long, especially with a full complement of players.

Repetitive: The gameplay involves repetitive actions of drawing cards, making declarations, and paying fines or duties.

Outdated Components: Some versions include paper money, which is not as appealing as modern game components.

Personal Thoughts on Contraband

Contraband is a game suited for those who enjoy bluffing and strategic card games. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its length and repetitive nature, it offers a unique gaming experience that combines social interaction with economic management. It is particularly enjoyable for fans of games like *Sheriff of Nottingham*, which shares similar mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking fast-paced or highly thematic games.

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