Desperados (1980) Board Game

Desperados is a 1980s board game that takes players back to the American Wild West, where they take on the roles of outlaws looking to make their mark in the frontier. Designed by Reiner Knizia, the game has been praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive theme.

Game Components of Desperados

Cards: 60 cards, including mine cards (gold, silver, copper), chest cards containing precious metals, closed mine cards, and desperado cards valued 1-10.

Packaging: The game is packaged in a durable tin with spaces for two stacks of cards, featuring cartoonish art by Charlie Binkele and Pixel Productions.

How To Setup Desperados

Players are dealt a starting hand of six cards. The game is best played with two teams of partners, though it can accommodate 2-4 players. Each player or partnership begins with their hand, ready to start prospecting.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw a Card: Take a card from the draw pile.

Pass a Card: Pass a card to your partner.

Play a Card: Play a card from your hand to the play area of any player.

Open a Mine: Play a mine card (copper, silver, or gold).

Work a Mine: Play chest cards on an open mine.

Close a Mine: Play a closed mine card to protect the mine.

Fight over a Mine: Play a desperado card to attack an opponent’s mine.

Objective: Extract as much wealth from open mines as possible and close them to secure the wealth. The wealthiest player or partnership wins.

Player Experience

In **Desperados**, players must navigate the challenges of mining and protecting their wealth from opponents. The game is relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes, making it a good filler game. However, it suffers from a significant dependency on luck of the draw, which can make gameplay feel limiting and less strategic.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: The game is brief, lasting around 30 minutes.

Partnership Mechanics: Allows for cooperative play and strategy between partners.

Well-Produced Cards: The cards are sturdy and feature clear, cartoonish art.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game heavily relies on the luck of the draw.

Limited Strategy: The one action per turn mechanic can feel restrictive.

Easy to Close Mines: The availability of closed mine cards makes it easy to protect mines, reducing the excitement of potential conflicts.

Personal Thoughts on Desperados

**Desperados** is a game that, while it may have been decent upon its initial release, now shows its age. It is best suited for those looking for a light, quick filler game rather than a deeply strategic experience. The partnership aspect can add some enjoyment, but the lack of strategy and reliance on luck may deter players seeking more complex gameplay. Despite this, it remains a fair option for a casual game night or as an introduction to card games.

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