Lunch Money (1996) Board Game

Lunch Money is a card game that was originally released in 1996 by designer Andrew Yates. It is a fast-paced, chaotic game that simulates a playground fight between school children. The game has been popular among gamers who enjoy card games with a take-that mechanic and hand management strategy.

Game Components of Lunch Money

110 cards, including Basic Attacks, Special Attacks, Weapons, and Defense cards.

Each card type is distinguished by a different background color (e.g., Defense cards have a blue tint).

Rules sheet included in a tuckbox.

How To Setup Lunch Money

To set up the game, each player starts with 15 “health” points, represented by pennies. Players draw a hand of five cards. The game is ready to begin once all players have their initial hand and health points.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Fighting Card Game.

Designer: C.E. Wiedman.

Number of Players: 2-4, expandable to 5 or more with additional sets.

Objective: Be the last player standing by siphoning off opponents’ pennies through attacks, and ultimately stealing their lunch money.

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players take turns attacking, discarding, or passing.
– Successful attacks reduce opponents’ health points (pennies).
– Use of combos, weapons, and counterattacks to gain an advantage.
– Defense cards can negate attacks or repair damage.

Player Experience

Lunch Money offers a quick, fun-packed combat experience with minimal setup and easy-to-learn rules. Players engage in simultaneous play, using cards to attack, defend, or disarm opponents. The game encourages creative narration of attacks and defenses, adding a humorous and interactive element to the gameplay.

Pros

Quick Setup and Playtime: Games typically last 20 minutes, and setup is minimal.

Easy to Learn: Rules can be learned in just a few minutes.

Interactive and Humorous: Encourages creative narration and playful taunts.

Expandable: Can be played with more players by adding additional sets.

Cons

Dark Artwork: Some players may find the Gothic photographic images and themes off-putting.

Simple Mechanics: While easy to learn, the game mechanics may be too simple for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Lunch Money

Lunch Money is ideal for those who enjoy light-hearted, fast-paced card games with a bit of humor and strategy. It’s suitable for players aged 13 and above who are looking for a fun, quick game that doesn’t require extensive setup or complex rules. However, players seeking more complex gameplay or those who might be uncomfortable with the game’s darker artwork may find it less appealing.

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