Masterpiece (1970) Board Game

Masterpiece is a classic board game that was first released in 1970 by Alga. It was designed by Marvin Glass and Christian Thee, and features artwork from famous artists such as Peter Blume, Gustave Caillebotte, Mary Cassatt, and Paul Cézanne, among others. The game falls into the bluffing and negotiation category, and includes auction/bidding and roll/spin and move mechanisms.

Game Components of Masterpiece

Game board

6 pawns

Money

6 player screens

54 art cards

27 masterpiece cards

6 masterpiece value cards

6 red chips

12 blue chips

6 easels

How To Setup Masterpiece

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player picks a color and receives a pawn, player screen, and starting money.

Shuffle the art cards and masterpiece cards separately and place them face down on the board.

Each player receives an easel and masterpiece value card.

Place the red chips on the board to mark the current auction price.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Masterpiece, players take on the roles of art dealers trying to buy and sell famous works of art. The objective of the game is to have the highest-valued collection of artwork by the end of the game. Players can bid on art cards in auctions, bluff about the value of the artwork, and negotiate with other players to make trades.

Player Experience

Pros

Strategic gameplay with bluffing and negotiation elements.

Beautiful artwork from renowned artists.

Engaging auction mechanics.

Cons

Some players may find the roll/spin and move mechanic dated.

Luck plays a significant role in the game.

Personal Thoughts on Masterpiece

Masterpiece is a nostalgic game with a unique theme that sets it apart from other board games. The artwork is stunning, and the auction mechanics add an exciting element to gameplay. However, the reliance on luck may frustrate some players looking for a more strategic experience. Overall, Masterpiece is a fun game that is worth checking out for fans of classic board games and art enthusiasts. It may not be suitable for those who prefer games with minimal luck or younger children due to the complexity of the rules.

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