Magic Market (2021) Board Game

Magic Market is a board game designed by Jeremy Polonen and released in in 2021. It is a game suitable for 2-4 players, with a runtime of around 30 minutes. The game falls under the categories of Animals and Children’s Games, featuring dice rolling and market mechanisms.

Game Components of Magic Market

1 Boardgame in two parts

12 Visitor pawns

48 Magical objects

20 Coins

20 Banknotes

4 Booths

4 Bags

1 Clock

2 Dice

1 Rulebook

How To Setup Magic Market

Setting up Magic Market is an integral part of the fun. Start by placing the central Visitor’s Path disk (rondel) in the middle of the main market square board. Distribute the 12 little blue witch hats (visitor pawns) into the available spaces on the rondel. Each player receives a satchel board, 3 Dragos (the game’s currency), and a cardboard market stall along with 12 matching goods in their color. Each player chooses 6 starting items to slot into their stall. Designate one player as the Guardian of the Dragos to manage the money, and another as the Time-Master to keep track of the time. The game also includes a decorative cardboard wand, which is not part of the gameplay but adds a whimsical touch.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll the number dice to determine how many spaces to turn the rondel.

Market Mechanics: Players pick a witch’s hat within their colored quadrant, revealing a symbol that corresponds to an item on their stall.

Resource Management: Sell items matching the revealed symbol, using the color dice to determine the price.

Negotiation: Players can visit other stalls to buy items, negotiating prices or using the color dice if negotiations fail.

Memory: Remembering which symbol corresponds to which picture is crucial for making sales.

Game Objective: The player with the most Dragos at the end of the game (after 10 rounds) wins.

Player Experience

Magic Market offers an immersive and colorful experience, introducing children to complex concepts like memory, market forces, and negotiation. Players take on the role of mystical merchants, managing their stalls to keep customers happy while also shopping from other players. The game’s setup and gameplay are designed to be engaging and fun, making it an excellent choice for family game nights or educational play.

Pros

Engaging Setup: The setup process is interactive and enjoyable.

Educational Value: Introduces concepts of memory, market forces, and negotiation.

Colorful and Fun: The game’s design is visually appealing and engaging.

Simple yet Challenging: Suitable for younger players while still offering a challenge.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, which might limit larger group play.

Dependence on Memory: Players need to remember symbol correspondences, which can be challenging for younger children.

Personal Thoughts on Magic Market

Magic Market is an excellent game for families and educational settings, particularly for children aged 6 and above. It provides a fun and interactive way to learn about budget management, negotiation, and the dynamics of supply and demand. The game’s colorful and whimsical design makes it appealing to young players, and its relatively short playtime of 30 minutes ensures that it holds their attention without feeling overwhelming. If you’re looking for a game that combines learning with enjoyment, Magic Market is a great choice.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.