Fujian Trader (2016) Board Game

Fujian Trader is a board game released in 2016 that transports players to ancient China, where they take on the role of merchants in the Fujian province. The game is designed to be educational, as players learn about the economic and trading practices of the medieval era.

Game Components of Fujian Trader

Player count: 3 to 5 players

Playing time: 90 to 180 minutes

Age range: 12 and above

Cards: 115 cards sized 63.5 x 88mm

Game mechanics: Area Majority / Influence, Network and Route Building, Trading

How To Setup Fujian Trader

To set up the game, players first need to lay out the game board, which features historical trading routes based on the Selden Map, a 17th-century Chinese trading map. Each player selects a merchant family and places their pieces on the board according to the starting rules. The deck of cards is shuffled and distributed, and any additional components such as victory point tokens and trading goods are prepared.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Gain victory points by trading, establishing trade routes, and influencing key areas on the board.

Mechanics:

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to control key regions and trading posts.

Network and Route Building: Players build and manage their trading routes across the East China Sea.

Trading: Players engage in trading activities to accumulate wealth and points.

Gameplay: Players take turns navigating the map, trading goods, and strategically placing their pieces to maximize their influence and wealth.

Player Experience

Playing **Fujian Trader** offers a immersive experience into the historical world of Chinese trade during the Ming era. The game combines strategic planning with economic management, requiring players to balance their resources, negotiate trades, and outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s lengthy playing time allows for deep engagement and complex strategies.

Pros

Historical depth: The game is based on a real historical map, adding an educational layer.

Complex strategy: Offers a rich experience with multiple layers of strategy.

Engaging mechanics: Combines area control, route building, and trading for a dynamic gameplay.

Cons

Long playing time: Can be daunting for players looking for quicker games.

Complexity: May be challenging for new players due to the multiple mechanics and strategies involved.

Limited player feedback: Some players have reported lower satisfaction due to the game’s complexity and length.

Personal Thoughts on Fujian Trader

**Fujian Trader** is ideal for players who enjoy deep, strategic games with historical themes. It is particularly suited for those interested in economic and trade-based gameplay, as well as those who appreciate the historical context of the Ming era. However, due to its complexity and lengthy playing time, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to board games.

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