Family Business (1982) Board Game

Family Business is a card game that was first released in in 1982. Designed by David B. Bromley, the game has players take on the roles of rival Mafia families trying to eliminate each other’s mobsters. The game has been published by Lookout Games and has gained a following for its fast-paced gameplay and take that mechanics.

Game Components of Family Business

Card Decks: One 54-card deck of mobsters, divided into six families (Moran Gang, New York Mob, Capone Mob, Murder, Inc., The Purple Gang, and The Bank Robbers).

Action Cards: A 54-card deck containing 26 “contract” cards, 6 “attack” cards, 10 “block” cards, and 14 “rescue” cards.

Special Cards: One “Up Against the Wall” card and one Cemetery card.

Rule Sheet: A 4-page rule sheet.

How To Setup Family Business

To set up the game, each player is given one family of nine mobsters, which are displayed face-up on the table. The “Up Against the Wall” card and Cemetery card are placed face-up in the center of the table. The deck of action cards is shuffled and placed face-down on the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to be the last player with surviving mobsters.

Contract Cards: Used to force other players to place their mobsters in the “Up Against the Wall” queue.

Attack Cards: Can start a Mob War even if there are five or fewer mobsters in the queue.

Block Cards: Defend against contract cards.

Rescue Cards: Save mobsters from elimination.

Mob War: Automatically starts when the “Up Against the Wall” queue exceeds five mobsters, leading to the permanent elimination of mobsters until the queue is cleared or a rescue card ends the Mob War.

Player Experience

**Family Business** is a fast, fun, and simple game that captures the essence of mob warfare with its themes of backstabbing, revenge, and strategic alliances. It is ideal for an evening of light-hearted entertainment, particularly after an evening of role-playing or as a quick, engaging game.

Pros

Quick Setup and Playtime: Setup time is 5 minutes, and the game lasts about 30 minutes.

Easy to Learn: Simple enough to pick up quickly.

Engaging Theme: Mob vengeance theme adds a fun and unique twist.

Interactive: Encourages alliances and strategic play.

Cons

Luck Over Skill: The game is more about luck than skill, which may not appeal to all players.

Limited Depth: Described as light and mindless entertainment, lacking in depth.

Personal Thoughts on Family Business

**Family Business** is perfect for those looking for a light, entertaining game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. It’s a great addition to game nights or as a filler game between more complex games. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, it excels in providing a fun, engaging experience with a unique theme.

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