Greed (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Greed is a card game designed by Donald X. Vaccarino and released by Queen Games in in 2014. It falls under the categories of card game and mafia game, where players take on the role of crime bosses trying to amass the most wealth and power.

Game Components of Greed

80 cards: 30 action cards, 25 thug cards, and 25 holding cards.

Money: $5,000, $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 denominations.

54 development markers: Used to track progress on holding cards.

How To Setup Greed

Players start by shuffling the deck and dealing 12 cards to each player. The remaining cards form the draw pile. Each player selects one card from their hand to keep and passes the rest to the player on their left. This process is repeated once more before the regular game rounds begin. The money and development markers are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drafting: Players select cards from the cards passed to them and add them to their hand.

Card Play: Players choose a card from their hand to play, placing it face down. Cards are revealed simultaneously, and played in order of the lowest number on the card.

Action Cards: One-time events that players must resolve immediately.

Thug Cards: Used to meet the costs or needs of other cards and can be played in front of the player.

Holding Cards: Accumulate development markers, which are worth money at the end of the game.

Game Objective: The player with the most money, earned from development markers and cash, wins the game. In case of a tie, victory is shared.

Player Experience

**Greed** is a relatively short game, lasting about 20-30 minutes. Players spend more time selecting cards at the start of their turn than completing the rest of the round. The game requires strategic thinking to maximize card benefits, involving a fair amount of reading and understanding card interactions. The unique mechanic of playing cards in numerical order adds a layer of strategy, allowing players to disrupt their opponents’ plans.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: The game is short and can be completed in under 30 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Players must strategically choose and play cards to maximize their score.

Dynamic Gameplay: The order of card play adds an interesting layer of strategy.

Cons

Card Utilization: Over half of the cards may not be played or seen in a single game, which can feel like a waste.

Complexity in Card Actions: Some players may find the need to read and understand various card actions cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Greed

**Greed** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games and are comfortable with a moderate level of complexity. While it has a good core mechanics, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer simpler games or are looking for a game with a longer playtime. The game’s design encourages both short-term and long-term strategies, although the balance between these can sometimes be skewed depending on the cards drawn. Overall, **Greed** is a solid addition to any card game enthusiast’s collection, offering a unique blend of strategy and interaction.

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