Haggle (1963) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Haggle is a classic board game that was first released in in 1963. It was designed by Robert Billingsley and Sid Sackson, and is a game that involves math, negotiation, and puzzle-solving skills. The game can accommodate a large number of players, making it great for parties or gatherings. With a runtime of 120-300 minutes, Haggle is a game that requires strategic thinking and social interaction to succeed.

Game Components of Haggle

Colored cards used as scoring markers

Slips explaining the valuation rules, created by the game organizer

Envelopes for players to submit their final card collections

A moderator or referee to manage the game and score the cards

How To Setup Haggle

To set up Haggle, one person serves as the moderator and devises a secret set of scoring rules. Each player receives a random collection of colored cards and one or more slips explaining some of the valuation rules. The rules are not revealed to the players, ensuring that different players have different sets of knowledge. The starting hands should be similar in value to ensure fairness.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Negotiation and Trading: Players trade cards and information about the rules.

Time Limit: Players have a set time (from 20 minutes to the whole party) to mix and trade.

Secret Rules: Players must figure out the valuation rules through trading and negotiation.

Objective: Accumulate the highest scoring collection of cards.

Scoring: The referee scores each hand based on the secret rules after the time limit is up.

Winning: The player with the highest score wins, typically receiving a small prize.

Player Experience

Haggle is a game that strongly encourages social interaction and strategic thinking. Players must navigate the complexities of the secret rules while negotiating trades with other players. This game is ideal for those who enjoy complex, interactive games and are comfortable with a high level of uncertainty.

Pros

Encourages Social Interaction: Players must mix and negotiate with each other.

Strategic Depth: The secret rules add a layer of complexity and strategy.

Flexibility: Can be played over a short or long period, depending on the setting.

Unique Experience: Each game is different due to the varying rules and player knowledge.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for some players.

Time-Consuming Setup: The moderator must create and manage the secret rules.

Requires Attention to Detail: Players need to keep track of multiple rules and trades.

Personal Thoughts on Haggle

Haggle is for those who enjoy intricate social games and are willing to invest time and effort into understanding and navigating its complex rules. It is not a game for casual players but rather for enthusiasts who appreciate the challenge of negotiation, trading, and strategic guessing. If you’re looking for a game that will keep your guests engaged and thinking, Haggle is an excellent choice. However, it may not be the best fit for smaller gatherings or players who prefer simpler, more straightforward games.

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