Dreadful Circus (2021) Board Game

Dreadful Circus is a card game released in 2021 by Portal Games. Designed by Joanna Kijanka and illustrated by Mateusz Bielski and Maciej Simiński, this game is designed for 4-8 players, with a recommended age of 14 and up. It falls under the category of card games and includes mechanisms such as auction/bidding, betting and bluffing, and set collection.

Game Components of Dreadful Circus

Cards with special final scoring rules

Tickets for different cities

Coins (gold, silver, copper)

Player screens

Contract cards

Collection cards

Top hat and tent cards with immediate and long-term effects

How To Setup Dreadful Circus

To set up the game, each player is dealt a hand of eight cards and receives one gold, two silver, and three copper coins. Players also draw six ticket tokens, which are hidden behind their screens along with their money. Each player selects one card from their hand to place on the table, marking the start of their tableau. The game includes a unique scoring system, with each player’s screen providing information on how to score points based on contracts and collections.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Set collection

Hidden bidding

Auction

Take that/meanness

Variable player powers (through special scoring rules)

Game Objective:

Collect and trade cards to build a successful circus.

Gain victory points through contracts, collections, and coins.

Use top hat cards for immediate effects and tent cards to build the tableau.

Negotiate and bid secretly to acquire desired cards.

Player Experience

**Dreadful Circus** offers a dynamic and interactive experience, especially suited for groups that enjoy wheeling and dealing, laughter, and a bit of meanness. The game is highly group-dependent, meaning it thrives in environments where players are comfortable with the unpredictability and potential for having their plans disrupted. The unique scoring system ensures that no two games are the same, as each player develops their own final scoring rules as the game progresses.

Pros

High Replayability: Variable scoring rules and hidden bidding mechanics ensure each game is unique.

Interactive and Social: Encourages negotiation and strategic bidding among players.

Thematic Immersion: The creepy and mysterious circus theme adds to the game’s charm and atmosphere.

Balanced Complexity: Simple to learn but with enough depth for strategic play.

Cons

Group Dependency: The game’s enjoyment heavily relies on the group’s dynamic and preferences.

Potential for Conflict: The “take that” mechanics can lead to frustration if not managed by the group.

Length: While the game duration is 30-40 minutes, it can feel longer due to the intense negotiation phases.

Personal Thoughts on Dreadful Circus

**Dreadful Circus** is ideal for groups that relish in the excitement of bidding, negotiating, and the unpredictability of variable player powers. It’s a great fit for players who enjoy games like *Citadels* and other social interaction-heavy games. However, it may not be the best choice for those who prefer straightforward, less confrontational gameplay. If you and your gaming group enjoy a mix of strategy, social interaction, and a bit of mischief, **Dreadful Circus** is certainly a game worth considering.

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