How to Rob a Bank (2017) Board Game

How to Rob a Bank’ is a board game released in 2017 by Big G Creative and Jumbo. It is a bluffing and card game that involves players taking on the roles of either the robbers or the cops in a heist scenario. With a playtime of around 30 minutes, the game is designed for 2-4 players, making it ideal for small groups.

Game Components of How to Rob a Bank

Player cards: Each player has a deck of action cards.

Bank guard meeples: Controlled by the bank player using cards.

Robber meeples: Controlled by the robber players.

Bank layout tiles: These tiles are shuffled to change the bank layout each round.

Getaway car: Moved around the board to escape with loot.

Money bags: Loot that the robbers need to collect and transport.

Rules sheet: A six-pane folded sheet with English on one side and German on the other.

How To Setup How to Rob a Bank

To set up the game, players start by shuffling and dealing action cards to each robber player. The bank player prepares their deck of cards to control the bank guard meeples. The bank layout tiles are shuffled and arranged to create the bank environment for the current round. The getaway car is placed on the track outside the bank.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Programming Actions: Players plan their actions by laying out their cards in a sequence, with open information allowing players to see each other’s planned actions.

Cooperative Play: Robber players work together to evade guards, collect loot, and get it to the getaway car.

Guard Movement: The bank player uses cards to determine the actions of the bank guard meeples.

Pepper Spray: Players can use pepper spray to temporarily disable guards or robbers.

Getaway Car Movement: The getaway car can be moved to an adjacent space outside the bank as a free action.

Objective: The robbers aim to collect and transport loot to the getaway car within three rounds.

Player Experience

**How to Rob a Bank** is an enjoyable, fast-paced game that introduces players to the mechanics of programmed actions. It is particularly useful as a gateway game for those new to more complex strategy games. The game’s components, including the 3D bank setup, add to its appeal. However, the rules sheet can be cumbersome and may require frequent reference to ensure correct interpretation of the iconography on the cards.

Pros

Gateway Game: Excellent for introducing new players to programming and cooperative game mechanics.

Fast-Paced: Rounds last no more than 10 minutes.

Appealing Components: The 3D bank setup and the track for the getaway car enhance the gaming experience.

Cooperative Strategy: Encourages teamwork among the robber players.

Cons

Cumbersome Rules Sheet: The large, folded rules sheet can be unwieldy and prone to damage.

Rule Errors: Some versions have errors in the English rules that need correction.

Iconography Confusion: Players may need to frequently refer to the rules to understand the card icons.

Personal Thoughts on How to Rob a Bank

**How to Rob a Bank** is ideal for families or groups looking to transition from simpler games to more strategic ones. It’s a great introduction to cooperative and programming games, making it a solid addition to any board game collection. The game’s light-hearted theme and engaging gameplay ensure it remains fun and challenging without being overly complex.

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