Modern Art (1992) – Board Game Guys

Modern Art

Modern Art is an auction game designed by Reiner Knizia and first published in 1992 by Hans im Glück in German. Players represent art dealers, both buying and selling works of art by five different fictional artists. At the end of each round, they sell the paintings they bought back to the “bank”. More popular artists’ works are worth more, and the value carries over into future rounds. The game was recommended for the 1993 Spiel des Jahres, with the jury stating that “[the] unusual combination of different auction types makes Modern Art a challenging and varied game experience”.

Why is Modern Art Popular?

Modern Art is a classic game of art speculation that challenges players with four types of auctions. The game is significant because it is a beautifully rounded game that introduces complexity with each type of auction, making it a powerful and treacherous psychological terrain for players to navigate. The game is popular because it is a challenging and varied game experience that combines different auction types.

Game Components of Modern Art

Cards: Representing works of art by five different fictional artists.

Game Board: For scoring and tracking the value of each artist’s paintings.

Money Tokens: Used for bidding and keeping track of players’ finances.

Player Screens: To hide players’ money from others.

How To Setup Modern Art

To set up Modern Art, each player is dealt a hand of cards representing works of art. Players also receive a starting amount of money, typically $100 million. The game board is set up to track the value of each artist’s paintings. The manual suggests that players should imagine the tokens as smaller denominations for a humorous touch.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Auction Formats: There are several auction formats determined by the card offered for sale, including open auctions, one-offer auctions, hidden auctions, and fixed price auctions.

End of Round: A round ends when the fifth work of art by a particular artist is offered for sale. The fifth painting is discarded, and players sell their purchased artworks back to the bank based on the artist’s popularity.

Artist Popularity: The top three most popular artists’ paintings are valued at $30, $20, and $10 respectively. Other artists’ paintings are worthless.

Game Objective: The player with the most money at the end of the fourth round wins the game.

Player Experience

In Modern Art, players take on the roles of art dealers, navigating a volatile art market. The game is known for its complex yet engaging gameplay, where players must strategically bid on and sell artworks to maximize their profits. The game encourages role-playing, with players often describing the artworks they present for auction, adding a humorous and creative element to the game.

Pros

Varied Auctions: Multiple auction formats keep the game exciting and unpredictable.

Strategic Depth: Players must manage their hand and bid strategically to influence the market and maximize profits.

High Replayability: The combination of different auction types and the dynamic market ensures no two games are the same.

Social Interaction: The game fosters interaction and role-playing among players, enhancing the overall experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be confusing for first-time players due to its multiple mechanics and strategies.

Length: While the game is generally quick to play, it can extend if players engage in lengthy bidding wars.

Luck Factor: There is a mild element of luck in drawing cards, which can affect a player’s strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Modern Art

Modern Art is a game suited for those who enjoy strategic bidding and economic games. It is ideal for players who appreciate complex gameplay with a mix of luck and strategy. The game’s ability to balance mathematical calculations with social interaction and role-playing makes it a standout in the world of board games. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler, more straightforward mechanics. For fans of Reiner Knizia’s work and those who enjoy the nuances of auction games, Modern Art is a must-play.

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