Cuba (2007) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cuba is a board game released in 2007, designed by Michael Rieneck and Stefan Stadler. It is published by eggertspiele and falls under the categories of Economic and Farming. The game is set in Cuba during the era of the revolution, where players take on the roles of plantation owners trying to gain wealth and influence.

Game Components of Cuba

Gameboard

6 black marking pieces

15 ship cards

24 statute cards (divided into 4 types)

Plantation boards

Resource pieces (wood, stone, water)

Product pieces (citrus fruit, tobacco, sugar cane)

Character cards (worker, tradeswoman, architect, foreman, mayor)

Coins (10 pesos per player)

Victory point path markers

Building tiles.

How To Setup Cuba

To set up Cuba, players start by placing the gameboard in the middle of the playing area. Each player receives 10 pesos, 2 resource pieces, and 2 product pieces of their choice. Players also get a set of character cards and place their playing marker on the starting space of the victory point path. The ship cards are shuffled and placed face down next to the gameboard, with the top two cards laid face up on the first two docks in the harbor. The third dock remains empty in the first round. Additional setup includes organizing the statute cards into separate piles and determining the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Victory Points: Earned by shipping merchandise from the harbor, erecting and using buildings, and abiding by the law.

Action Phase: Players play character cards to perform various actions.

Parliament Phase: Players vote on bills using their character cards and potentially purchased votes.

Statute Phase: Implemented acts from the voted bills.

End of Round: Preparing for the next round, including changing the starting player.

Game Duration: The game consists of 6 rounds, each executed in 5 phases.

Player Experience

Cuba offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple paths to victory. Players must balance resource management, building construction, and political maneuvering to maximize their victory points. The game is known for its depth and strategic possibilities, making it engaging for experienced players who enjoy multi-layered decision-making.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a variety of strategic possibilities.

Multiple Paths to Victory: Players can earn victory points through different actions.

Complex Gameplay: Engaging for players who enjoy intricate game mechanics.

Replayability: High replay value due to the random setup of ship cards and statute cards.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: Gameplay can be lengthy, especially for those unfamiliar with the rules.

Learning Curve: Requires time to understand and master the game mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Cuba

Cuba is ideal for fans of economic and resource management games who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. It is not recommended for casual or new players due to its complexity and steep learning curve. However, for those who enjoy deep strategy and multiple layers of gameplay, Cuba is a highly engaging and satisfying game.

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