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Gangster’s Dilemma (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Gangster’s Dilemma is a board game released in 2020, designed by Adrian Adamescu and Daryl Andrews. It is a bluffing and card game set in the world of the mafia, where players take on the role of gangsters trying to outwit each other to become the most powerful crime boss in town.

Game Components of Gangster’s Dilemma

  • 42 Gangster Cards**
  • 6 Cop Cards**
  • 8 Character Cards**
  • 6 Location Cards**
  • 19 Boss Demand Cards**
  • 7 Play Summary Cards**
  • 7 Talk/Silent Tokens**
  • 2 Closed Tokens**
  • 72 Loot Tokens**
  • 42 Dollar Tokens**
  • Additional Character, the Enforcer, + Church mini-expansion**
  • Rulebook**

    How To Setup Gangster’s Dilemma

    To set up the game, each player starts with an identical deck of Gangster cards numbered 1-6 in their player color. One player randomly becomes the Cop and receives the deck of Cop cards, also numbered 1-6. The game board is set up with the various location cards, and the Boss Demand Cards are drawn to create the initial demands.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Selection: Each round, players secretly choose a location to visit by selecting one of their Gangster cards and placing it face-down.
  • Cop Intervention: The player controlling the Cop plays two of their Cop cards to try and arrest Gangsters at the chosen locations.
  • Looting: If no Cop is present, Gangsters can loot the location, gaining loot tokens and splitting the money.
  • Encounters: If a Cop is present, Gangsters must decide to talk, stay silent, or bribe the Cop. Talking can rat out other Gangsters, while silence allows them to split the loot.
  • Demand Fulfillment: Players can fulfill the Mob Boss’ demands using the loot they’ve collected, earning victory points.
  • Game End: The game ends when a player reaches 21 or more points.

    Player Experience

    In **Gangster’s Dilemma**, players engage in a dynamic game of strategy and social interaction. Each round is filled with tense decisions as players weigh the risks of getting caught by the cops against the potential rewards of looting valuable locations. The game’s social deduction elements add a layer of unpredictability, as players must navigate the complex web of alliances and betrayals that can form during the game.

    Pros

  • Engaging Social Deduction: The game encourages strategic interaction and negotiation among players.
  • High Replayability: Random Cop movements and changing demands ensure each game is unique.
  • Beautiful Artwork: Designed by Kwanchai Moriya, the game features visually appealing graphics.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: The game’s mechanics, particularly the interaction between Gangsters and the Cop, can be complex for new players.
  • Lengthy Games: Games can take over 30 minutes, which may not be ideal for all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Gangster’s Dilemma

    **Gangster’s Dilemma** is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of strategy, social deduction, and a bit of luck. It’s suitable for families with children aged 10+ and is a great addition to any game collection looking to add more interactive and engaging experiences. While it may have a learning curve, the game’s dynamic nature and beautiful design make it a compelling choice for those who enjoy complex, yet fun, board games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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