Crooks (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Crooks is a card game released in 2012 by Arclight Games. It is designed by Neil Crowley and features artwork by Dennis Lohausen. The game is set in a mafia theme where players take on the roles of crime bosses trying to outwit each other in a battle for control of the city.

Game Components of Crooks

Card Deck: Includes various criminal cards with different powers and point values.

Money Cards: Denominations of 1 and 3.

Location Cards: Represent different spots where criminals can be hired (A to I).

Gang Affiliation: Each criminal belongs to one or more of three gangs (red, blue, yellow).

How To Setup Crooks

To set up Crooks, players start by placing the location cards (A to I) on the table, each with a specific number of criminal cards. Each player receives an initial amount of money. The game is ready to begin once all players have their money and the locations are set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hiring Criminals: Players spend money to hire criminals from the available locations.

Criminal Powers: Each criminal has a power value (1-10) and some have special abilities (e.g., killing other criminals, switching places).

Gang Affiliation: Points awarded for having the most criminals in each gang.

Scoring: Final scoring is based on the power values of the criminals at each location, with ties resulting in split points.

Game End: The game ends when all players have passed (run out of money), and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Crooks is a quick and simple game, lasting about 10-20 minutes. It involves strategic thinking about which criminals to hire and how to maximize point values. The game includes elements of bluffing and interaction, as players can use certain criminal abilities to disrupt their opponents.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Ideal for short sessions or filler games.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn and understand.

Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, offers meaningful decision-making.

Interaction: Players can affect each other’s strategies through special abilities.

Cons

Limited Players: Best with 4 players; fewer players reduce the game’s appeal.

Luck Factor: The availability of certain powerful criminals can introduce luck elements.

Personal Thoughts on Crooks

Crooks is a great fit for those who enjoy quick, strategic card games. It’s perfect for groups looking for a game that can be completed in a short amount of time, making it an excellent addition to any game collection. However, it might not be as engaging with fewer than four players, as the interaction and bluffing elements are more pronounced with a full player count. Overall, Crooks offers a fun, fast-paced experience with just the right amount of complexity.

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