Lost Cities (1999) Board Game

Lost Cities is a card game designed by Reiner Knizia and was first published in 1999 by KOSMOS. The game has become a classic in the board game world, known for its simple yet strategic gameplay and beautiful artwork.

Game Components of Lost Cities

Game Board: A small, tri-fold board divided into five colored areas representing different expeditions (yellow, blue, white, green, and red).

Card Deck: Contains five suits, each with numbers 2-10 and three “investment” or “wager” cards that multiply the expedition’s total score.

Rule Book: A four-page, well-illustrated guide to the game.

How To Setup Lost Cities

To set up the game, place the game board between the two players. Shuffle the cards and deal eight to each player face down. The oldest player starts the game. If playing multiple rounds, use paper and a pencil to track scores.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players can either add a card to an expedition or discard a card onto the appropriate discard pile. Each additional card in an expedition must be of a higher number than the previous card.

Investment Cards: These cards can only be played at the start of an expedition and multiply the total score by 2, 3, or 4 depending on the number of investment cards.

Expedition Scoring: Each expedition costs 20 points to mount. The total points from the cards in an expedition are calculated after subtracting the cost, and then any multipliers are applied. Expeditions with at least eight cards earn a 20-point bonus.

Game Objective: The goal is to score the most points by successfully mounting expeditions and managing risk effectively over three rounds.

Player Experience

Playing Lost Cities involves making strategic decisions about which expeditions to pursue and when to play or discard cards. The game is tense, as players must balance the risk of starting an expedition with the potential reward. Discarding cards can aid or hinder both players, adding a layer of strategy and unpredictability. The game’s simplicity belies its depth, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

High Replay Value: The game offers a lot of replayability due to the random draw of cards and the strategic decisions involved.

Simple to Learn: The rules are easy to understand, making it accessible to new players.

Tactical Depth: Despite simple rules, the game requires strategic thinking and risk management.

Quick Playtime: Games are relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes.

Cons

Card Quality: The cards are of poor quality and may require sleeving.

Luck Factor: The game relies on the luck of the draw, which can significantly impact the outcome.

Personal Thoughts on Lost Cities

Lost Cities is ideal for those who enjoy strategic, two-player games with a blend of luck and tactical decision-making. It is particularly suited for couples or friends who like to engage in competitive yet quick games. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with depth makes it appealing to both casual and experienced gamers. If you’re looking for a game that challenges you to manage risk and make strategic decisions, Lost Cities is a great choice.

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