Counterfeiters (2018) Board Game

Counterfeiters is a board game released in 2018, designed by Ian O’Toole and published by Quined Games. The game is set in the world of mafia and players take on the role of counterfeiters trying to outsmart the authorities and make the most money without getting caught.

Game Components of Counterfeiters

Game board

Player tokens and boards

Fake and real money bills

The Godfather token and associated cards

Police tokens

Various action and event cards

How To Setup Counterfeiters

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the table. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting space on the board. The fake and real money bills are shuffled and distributed according to the rules. The Godfather token and associated cards are placed within reach of all players. Police tokens are also positioned on the board as per the setup instructions. Players receive their individual player boards and starting resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The primary goal is to accumulate the most real money by exchanging fake bills without getting caught by the police.

Mechanics:

Economic: Players manage resources (fake and real money) to optimize their gains.

Area Control: Players influence different areas of the board to avoid police and gain advantages.

Negotiation: Players can negotiate with each other and with the Godfather for protection and benefits.

Actions: Players take turns performing actions such as printing fake bills, exchanging them for real money, and seeking protection from the Godfather to avoid police interceptions.

Player Experience

Playing **Counterfeiters** is an engaging and strategic experience. Players must balance the risk of getting caught by the police against the reward of accumulating real money. The game requires careful planning, resource management, and sometimes a bit of luck. Interactions with the Godfather and other players add a layer of negotiation and social strategy.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Combines economic management with area control and negotiation.

Replayability: Each game can have different outcomes due to player interactions and random elements.

Thematic Depth: The theme of counterfeiting is well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Cons

Complexity: The game may have a steep learning curve for new players.

Component Quality: Some players might find the component quality to be average.

Length: Games can be relatively long, which might not suit all player preferences.

Personal Thoughts on Counterfeiters

**Counterfeiters** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong thematic focus. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate economic and negotiation mechanics. The game is best for groups of experienced players who can appreciate the depth and complexity it offers. However, it might not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, lightweight experience.

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