High Society (1995) Board Game
High Society is a card game designed by Reiner Knizia and released in 1995 by Ravensburger. It is a fast-paced auction game where players bid on luxurious items while trying to avoid ending the game with the least amount of money. The game has received critical acclaim for its simple yet strategic gameplay.
Game Components of High Society
How To Setup High Society
To set up High Society, players are given the same set of 11 money cards. The status card deck is shuffled and placed in the middle. The game starts with the top card from the status deck being revealed, and the player who won the last card begins the bidding. Setup is quick, taking about 1 minute.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Mechanics
Game Objective
Player Experience
High Society is a game of tight, tense auctioneering with a simple yet deeply unintuitive auction system. Players must balance their bids carefully, considering the potential for negative effects and the need to conserve money. The game’s unpredictability, due to the random reveal of cards and the variable game length, adds to its replayability. However, the game’s punitive nature, where the highest spender is eliminated, can be off-putting for some players.
Pros
Cons
Personal Thoughts on High Society
High Society is ideal for players who enjoy auction games and are looking for a quick, strategic experience. It is recommended for those who can appreciate the nuances of bidding and money management. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more complex or theme-heavy games. The game’s unique mechanics and beautiful presentation make it a standout in Reiner Knizia’s portfolio, but it requires a receptive mindset to fully enjoy its idiosyncratic bidding system.
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