Doge (2000) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Doge is a board game released in 2000 designed by Franz Vohwinkel. It is a bluffing and political game that involves area majority/influence, auction/bidding, and simultaneous action selection mechanics. The game is set in the city of Venice during the Renaissance period, where players take on the roles of influential families vying for power and control.

Game Components of Doge

Tokens and Voting Chips: Used for blind bidding and manipulating the game state.

Advisors: Grant additional votes and can be strategically placed to influence election outcomes.

District and Quarantia Boards: Represent different areas where elections are held.

Player Pieces: For building palaces and tracking progress.

Election Cards: Determine the timing and outcomes of elections.

How To Setup Doge

To set up Doge, players start by preparing the district and Quarantia boards. Each player selects their pieces and places them on the board according to the starting rules. The voting chips and advisors are distributed, and the election cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Blind Bidding: Players cast secret votes in elections using voting chips.

Election Resolution: The outcome of elections determines which players can manipulate the board, build palaces, or place advisors.

Advisor Placement: Advisors can be moved to different districts to influence future elections.

Palace Building: The ultimate goal is to build palaces faster than opponents.

Strategic Maneuvering: Constantly adjust strategies based on the dynamic election outcomes and advisor placements.

Player Experience

Playing Doge involves a mix of strategy, bluffing, and tactical maneuvering. Players must balance their blind bids with the strategic placement of advisors to gain an edge. The game is highly dynamic, with election outcomes and advisor movements significantly impacting the game state. This creates a thrilling experience where every decision can be a game-changer.

Pros

High Replayability: Dynamic gameplay ensures each playthrough is different.

Deep Strategy: Combines blind bidding with strategic advisor placement.

Engaging Theme: Set in medieval Venice, adding a unique historical flavor.

Interactive: Constant player interaction through elections and advisor movements.

Cons

Complex Rules: Can be confusing for new players, especially regarding advisor rules.

Length: Games can be lengthy due to the strategic depth and multiple rounds of voting.

Component Management: Managing voting chips, advisors, and player pieces can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Doge

Doge is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic games with a high level of interaction and depth. It is not recommended for casual players due to its complex rules and lengthy gameplay. However, for those who appreciate the challenge and charm of a well-designed game, Doge offers a unique and engaging experience that is well worth the investment.

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