Heimlich & Co. (1984) Board Game

Heimlich & Co., also known as Top Secret Spies, is a classic board game designed by Wolfgang Kramer and first released in in 1984. It is a game of bluffing and deduction where players take on the role of spies trying to gather information while keeping their true identities hidden.

Game Components of Heimlich & Co.

Game board featuring a score track encircling the board

7 colored player pieces (spies)

Up to 4 “robot” pieces

Die for determining movement

Thin wooden human-shaped gaming pieces (meeples)

Bonus expansion pack with 26 top-secret cards (in some editions)

How To Setup Heimlich & Co.

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a color but keeps it secret. The colored player pieces are placed on the starting positions on the board. The “robot” pieces are also placed on designated starting positions. Each player receives a scoring marker.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Score the most points by collecting top-secret information while keeping your true color identity hidden.

Movement: Players roll a die and can move any number of pieces a total number of spaces that adds up to the number on the die.

Scoring: Points are earned when spies land on buildings with the safe, and the safe moves to another building after scoring.

Guessing Phase: At the end of the game, players make secret guesses about which player is which color, earning +5 points for each correct guess.

Game End: The game ends when a player reaches 142+ points, and the winner is determined after adding guess points.

Player Experience

Heimlich & Co. offers a unique blend of intrigue, deception, and strategy, making it an engaging experience for players. The game requires good bluffing and analytical skills as players maneuver their spies to gather information while concealing their identities. It is suitable for ages 8 and up and supports 2-7 players, making it a great option for family game nights and casual gatherings.

Pros

Award-winning Design: Winner of the Spiel des Jahres award in 1986.

Intrigue and Deception: Combines strategy and bluffing in a compelling way.

Simple yet Deep: Easy to learn but packed with strategic depth.

Family-friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and up, making it a great family game.

High Replayability: Bonus expansion pack adds new layers of strategy.

Cons

Complexity for Younger Players: While the rules are simple, the strategic depth might be challenging for very young players.

Luck Element: Die rolls can introduce an element of luck, affecting gameplay.

Designer’s Personal Feelings: Wolfgang Kramer mentioned it was not one of his personal favorites.

Personal Thoughts on Heimlich & Co.

Heimlich & Co. is an excellent choice for those who enjoy strategic games with a twist of deception and bluffing. It is ideal for families looking for a game that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, as well as for groups of friends seeking a fun and engaging game night experience. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with depth makes it a timeless classic that continues to appeal to a wide range of players.

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