Exchange (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Exchange is a board game released in 2019, designed by Eric Sillies and featuring artwork by Games by Bicycle. It falls under the deduction and economic categories, with gameplay centered around commodity speculation, simultaneous action selection, stock holding, and voting mechanics. The game is designed for 3 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 10 and above.

Game Components of Exchange

Game Board

Dice

6 player pieces

Money

20 World Event Cards

40 Stock Alert Cards

90 Stock Block Cards

5 Merger Cards

115 Stock Coins

Security tracker components/player boards.

How To Setup Exchange

To set up Exchange, each player starts with seed capital in the form of cash and an initial portfolio of three securities: Bonds, Banks, and Insurance. The composition of these securities varies among players, making the starting strategy less deterministic. Players receive their respective player boards and place their markers on the board accordingly. The market price trackers are set to the starting values, and the deck of event and stock cards is prepared for draw.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players simultaneously select cards indicating which security they want to deal with, whether to buy or sell, and how to manipulate the market price.

Market Manipulation: Players can adjust the prices of securities using their cards.

Wrap-Around Market: Prices wrap around from the lowest to the highest and vice versa if they reach the extremes.

Negotiation and Table Talk: Temporary alliances and deal-making are crucial for success.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most net worth by the end of the five rounds. Players achieve this by buying and selling securities at favorable prices and manipulating the market to their advantage.

Player Experience

Exchange offers a dynamic and interactive experience where players must closely monitor their colleagues’ stock holdings to outmaneuver them. The game is known for its chaotic yet strategic gameplay, where temporary teamwork and shady deals are common. The wrap-around market mechanism adds a layer of unpredictability, making each round exciting and challenging. Despite some complexity, the game is generally enjoyable and educational, providing a basic understanding of stock market principles.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches basic stock market principles in a fun and engaging way.

Interactive and Social: Encourages negotiation and temporary alliances.

Balanced Strategy and Luck: Suitable for both casual and strategic players.

Variety in Gameplay: Three levels of play: Family, Strategy, and Teams.

Cons

Complex Rules: Some players find the directions and rules cumbersome to understand.

Luck Element: The game can feel swingy and luck-based, especially with the random card draws.

Production Issues: Some reviews mention issues with the rulebook clarity and game component quality.

Personal Thoughts on Exchange

Exchange is a great game for those who enjoy economic and trading games with a social twist. It is suitable for families with older children (ages 10+), as well as for groups of friends and serious gamers looking for a light yet strategic experience. However, it may not be ideal for players who prefer games with clear, straightforward rules or those who are averse to a significant luck element in their games. Overall, Exchange offers a unique blend of strategy, negotiation, and fun, making it a worthwhile addition to any board game collection.

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