Lie, Cheat & Steal (1971) Board Game

Lie, Cheat & Steal is a board game released in 1971 by Dynamic Games. It is a negotiation and political game that challenges players to outsmart and deceive their opponents to achieve victory. With a runtime of 90 minutes and a recommended age of 12+, this game is best played with 4-5 players for optimal enjoyment.

Game Components of Lie, Cheat & Steal

Game board

Player pawns

Money ($50,000 per player initially, with additional funds in the bank)

Vote cards (players can purchase up to 20 votes per turn)

Dice

Various card decks (sorted and shuffled separately)

Instruction manual

How To Setup Lie, Cheat & Steal

To set up the game, each player chooses a pawn and places it on the start space. Each player receives $50,000 from the bank, and the rest forms the bank. Players start with a salary of $20,000. The cards are sorted by type, shuffled separately, and placed face down on corresponding sections of the gameboard. Players roll the dice to determine who starts the game, with the highest number going first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Roll and move: Players roll dice to determine how many spaces to move.

Vote purchasing: Players can buy votes from the bank, with costs varying based on the number of votes.

Bluffing: Players can lie about the cards they draw.

Penalties: Players can incur penalties requiring them to purchase more votes.

Interplayer interactions: Players can steal money but not votes, and other players can lie about turns taken.

Game Objective

The goal is to accumulate the required number of votes, not to have the most money.

Player Experience

Lie, Cheat & Steal is known for its cutthroat nature, reflecting the realities of politics. The game heavily involves bluffing and manipulating other players, which can lead to significant swings in fortune. Players must lie frequently to succeed, but getting caught can result in severe penalties. The game can be cruel, with players often going from near victory to bankruptcy in a few turns. This unpredictability and the emphasis on messing with other players can make the game both engaging and frustrating.

Pros

Unique blend of roll and move with bluffing mechanics

High level of interplayer interaction and strategy

Reflects the competitive and sometimes unethical aspects of politics

Potential for memorable and entertaining gameplay sessions

Cons

Heavily reliant on luck

Components can be subpar

Game can be very long and often feels unfair

High risk of bankruptcy and significant wealth swings

Personal Thoughts on Lie, Cheat & Steal

Lie, Cheat & Steal is for those who enjoy competitive, strategic games with a touch of social interaction and bluffing. It’s ideal for players who appreciate the thematic depth of simulating political power struggles, even if the gameplay can be cruel and unpredictable. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a fair or balanced game experience, as the elements of luck and interplayer sabotage can be overwhelming.

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