Long Short (1982) Board Game

Long Short is a board game that was released in 1982 by Hexagames. It is a game designed for 2 to 6 players, with a runtime of about 60 minutes. The game falls under the categories of bluffing and economic games, with a mechanism of commodity speculation. Players must use their wits and strategic thinking to outsmart their opponents and come out on top in this competitive game.

Game Components of Long Short

Game board showing price charts/tables for 6 commodities at 3 different price levels

10 commodity cards per player, which change the price up or down of one or more commodities

Player funds starting at $10,000

Price movement cards

Dice for random events

Contract cards for going long or short on commodities

How To Setup Long Short

To set up the game, each player is dealt 10 commodity cards. The game board is prepared by setting up the price charts for the six commodities. Each player starts with $10,000. The objective is to understand the initial market conditions and the cards in hand to make strategic decisions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Commodity speculation, contract management, and random events.

Game Objective: The player who accumulates the most money after all players have played their last card wins.

Turn Actions:
– Enter or close out a contract (going long or short on a commodity)
– Play a price movement card
– Roll the dice to trigger commodity price movements or draw an action card (random event)

Market Dynamics: Players can interrupt another player’s turn to sell a contract at any time, allowing for dynamic market interactions.

Player Experience

**Long Short** offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, simulating the unpredictable nature of commodity markets. Players must balance their hunches about price movements with the information provided by their cards and the random events triggered by the dice. This game encourages strategic thinking and adaptability, making it engaging for those interested in economic simulations.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches players about commodity markets and speculation.

Dynamic Gameplay: Allows for interruptions and real-time market adjustments.

Strategic Depth: Combines card management with random events for a challenging experience.

Social Interaction: Encourages competitive and strategic interactions among players.

Cons

Luck Factor: Significant random elements can affect gameplay outcomes.

Complexity: May be overwhelming for younger or less experienced players.

Time Commitment: Games typically last around 60 minutes.

Personal Thoughts on Long Short

**Long Short** is ideal for those who enjoy economic simulations and strategic games. It is particularly suited for players who are interested in understanding commodity markets and are looking for a game that combines strategy with a bit of luck. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those willing to dive into its mechanics.

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