Gang of Four (1990) Board Game

Gang of Four is a card game that was released in 1990 by Days of Wonder. It is based on the Chinese game Choh Dai Di, which is also known as Tichu. The game is designed by Lee Yih and features artwork by Franck Achard and Cyrille Daujean. Gang of Four falls under the category of card games with a political theme, where players engage in hand management, ladder climbing, and set collection.

Game Components of Gang of Four

64 playing cards, including 60 numbered cards (2 each of numbers 1-10 in green, red, and yellow)

2 phoenix cards (green and yellow)

1 dragon card (red)

1 multi-colored #1 wild card

1 rule book

1 score pad

2 summary cards

1 Days of Wonder online access card.

How To Setup Gang of Four

To set up the game, all the cards are dealt to the players. The player who receives the multi-colored ‘1’ card starts the hand and must use this card on the first play. Players then proceed in turns, alternating between clockwise and counterclockwise directions on subsequent hands.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Trick-taking

Climbing games

Game Objective

Be the first player to rid yourself of all your cards.

Play the same number of cards but a higher ranked set than the previous player.

Play more cards if they are four or more of a kind.

The game continues until one player has used all their cards, and other players are penalized points based on the number of cards left in their hands. The game ends when one player reaches 100 points, and the player with the lowest score wins.

Player Experience

Gang of Four is praised for its simplicity to learn yet depth in strategy, making it highly addictive. Players enjoy the endless variety of strategies and tactics, and it is suitable for both adults and children. The game is perfect for a casual evening of gameplay and strategy.

Pros

Simple to learn but deep in strategy

Highly addictive

Suitable for both adults and children

Encourages cunning, flexibility, and ruthlessness

Cons

May require strategic thinking, which could be overwhelming for some players

Limited to 3-4 players, which might restrict group play.

Personal Thoughts on Gang of Four

Gang of Four is an excellent choice for those who enjoy strategic card games with a hint of historical and cultural flair. It is ideal for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a game that combines simplicity with complex gameplay. The game’s short playtime of about 30 minutes makes it a great addition to any game night or casual gathering.

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