Mapmaker: The Gerrymandering Game (2019) Board Game

Mapmaker: The Gerrymandering Game is a board game released in 2019 that revolves around the controversial practice of gerrymandering, where political boundaries are manipulated to favor a particular party. Designed by Julia Semionova, the game aims to educate players about the impact of gerrymandering on elections and democracy. With its abstract strategy and political theme, Mapmaker offers a unique gaming experience that challenges players to think critically about political issues.

Game Components of Mapmaker: The Gerrymandering Game

Game board representing a hypothetical state

Over 100 pieces, including numbered and colored discs (voter discs) and boundary walls

Step-by-step rulebook

Drawstring bags for the pieces

Sturdy game box.

How To Setup Mapmaker: The Gerrymandering Game

To set up the game, players randomly distribute the voter discs across the state on the game board. Each disc represents voters favoring one of the four parties: Elephants, Donkeys, Leaves, or Porcupines. The game board is divided into 73 “counties,” each containing a randomly assigned vote tally for one of the parties.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Number of Players: 3-4

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Objective: Players take turns drawing segments of a congressional district border to enclose areas that include a majority of their party’s voters.

District Creation: Players must create districts that include at least four counties and fall within a specified size range.

Winning Condition: The player who controls the most election districts wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing **Mapmaker: The Gerrymandering Game** feels like a great combo of an educational tool and a strategy game. Players must carefully strategize and manipulate district lines to disenfranchise their opponents’ voters, making it a fun and challenging experience. The game is praised for its high-quality components, including fine printing and nicely painted wooden pieces.

Pros

Educational Value: Excellent for civics students and anyone interested in understanding gerrymandering.

Strategic Depth: Simple rules but complex strategy, making it engaging for strategy game enthusiasts.

High-Quality Components: Fine printing, nicely painted wooden pieces, and a sturdy box.

Engaging Gameplay: Challenges players to think tactically about district creation.

Cons

Tie-Breaking Rules: The game sometimes resolves with tie-breaking rules, which can feel arbitrary and not entirely thematic.

Potential for Repetition: The small map size and frequent use of tie-breaker rules might make the game feel repetitive over time.

Personal Thoughts on Mapmaker: The Gerrymandering Game

**Mapmaker: The Gerrymandering Game** is perfect for game nights with friends or family, especially those interested in politics and strategy. It serves as a great educational tool for understanding the complexities of gerrymandering and the impact it can have on elections. While it may have some minor drawbacks, the game’s overall design and educational value make it a worthwhile addition to any board game collection. It’s particularly suited for civics students, political enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a game that combines strategy with a dose of real-world relevance.

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