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: A green-backed board (or dark brown in the Canadian release).

Play Money: Denominated in various colors ($50,000, $100,000, $500,000, $1,000,000).

Value Cards: 24 cards ranging in value from $0 (forgery) to $1,000,000 (or $10 million in the 1996 edition).

Painting Cards: 24 cards featuring famous artworks from collections like the National Gallery in London and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Value Chart Cards: 6 cards listing available values and artist bios.

Player Tokens: 5 tokens in different colors.

Dice: 2 dice for determining player turns.

How To Setup Masterpiece

To set up Masterpiece, unfold the game board and place it in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a token and places it on any space on the board. Players receive $1.5 million (or $15 million in some versions) in play money. Shuffle the artwork cards and value cards, ensuring the value cards are face down. Each player selects one artwork card and one value card, securing them together with clips so the artwork faces out and the value remains hidden. The remaining cards are placed in two stacks on the board. Players roll the dice to determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bank Auctions: Players bid on paintings in $50,000 increments, with the highest bidder paying the bank and receiving the painting along with its hidden value card.

Movement: Players roll the dice to move around the board, following the instructions on the space they land on.

Collecting Value Cards: Players can choose to take $3,000,000 or a new value card to add to one of their paintings, potentially increasing its value or rendering it worthless if it’s a forgery.

Objective: Accumulate the largest fortune by combining cash and the values of the artworks in their collection.

Player Experience

Masterpiece offers a unique blend of luck and strategy, making it a fun and engaging game for art enthusiasts and casual players alike. The game’s reliance on bluffing and hidden information adds a layer of excitement, as players must negotiate and make calculated risks to build their art portfolios. However, the significant role of luck can be frustrating, as winning largely depends on guessing the values of the paintings correctly.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game brings the world of art auctions to the table, making it appealing to art lovers.

Social Interaction: Players engage in auctions and negotiations, promoting social interaction.

Easy to Learn: The gameplay is straightforward, making it accessible to new players.

Historical Art: The game features famous artworks, providing a educational element.

Cons

Luck-Driven: The game heavily relies on luck, which can be frustrating for players who prefer strategic gameplay.

Limited Strategy: Decisions have minimal impact on the game’s outcome, as the values of the paintings are largely random.

Out of Print: The game is no longer in production, making it harder to find.

Personal Thoughts on Masterpiece

Masterpiece is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of luck and strategy, particularly art enthusiasts who will appreciate the inclusion of famous artworks. While it may not appeal to players seeking deep strategic gameplay, it remains a fun and unique addition to any board game collection. For fans of Parker Brothers games or those looking for a vintage game with a unique theme, Masterpiece is a hidden gem worth exploring. However, players who prefer games with more control over their fate may find it less satisfying.

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