Moneybags (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Moneybags is a party game designed by Jun Sasaki and Yoshiteru Shinohara, with artwork by Jun Sasaki. It was released in 2018 by Oink Games, known for their unique and innovative board games. Moneybags is a bluffing game that involves physical removal and player elimination mechanics, making it a fast-paced and entertaining game for 3 to 6 players.

Game Components of Moneybags

Player Bags: Each player has a bag to hold their money.

Money: Brass coins and a diamond are distributed among players.

Boss Token: Designates the player who distributes the money.

Round Scoring Tokens: Used to track victory points.

Box: Holds all the money and the diamond before distribution.

How To Setup Moneybags

To set up the game, give one player the Boss token. Each player receives a bag, and all the money (coins and the diamond) is placed in the box. The Boss distributes the money evenly among the players, but this distribution is done secretly. Players should hold their bags by the side, not from the bottom, and never look inside their own bag or feel the coins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Distribution: The Boss distributes the money and diamond among players.

Turn Actions:

Steal from another player: Take coins from another player’s bag without looking.

Do nothing: Pass your turn.

Close your money bag: If you think you have the most money, close your bag to avoid further theft but also cannot steal from others.

Challenges: If a player is stolen from, they can challenge the thief. Both players empty their bags, stack their money, and the player with the shorter stack loses and is eliminated.

Round End: The round ends when all players but one are eliminated, the Boss has taken two turns, or all players have closed their bags. The player with the most money wins the round.

Victory Points: The winner of each round gets three points, the second place gets two, and the third place gets one. After three rounds, the player with the most victory points wins.

Player Experience

Playing Moneybags involves a lot of bluffing, guessing, and strategic theft. Players must judge the weight of the bags to determine who has the most money, making it a game of deception and quick decisions. The game can be unpredictable, with chain reactions of thefts and challenges that can quickly change the dynamics.

Pros

Interactive and Dynamic: Players are constantly engaged, trying to steal from each other or protect their own loot.

Bluffing and Strategy: The game requires players to make strategic decisions based on limited information.

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it easy for new players to join.

Cons

Unpredictable and Frustrating: Rounds can get out of control, leading to unsatisfying outcomes for some players.

Physical Challenges: Moving coins between bags can be difficult, especially for players with smaller hands.

Limited Replay Value: Some players find the gameplay not compelling enough for repeated play.

Personal Thoughts on Moneybags

Moneybags is for those who enjoy social deduction games with a mix of bluffing and strategy. It’s a good fit for groups looking for a light, interactive game that doesn’t take too long to play. However, it may not be as engaging for players seeking deeper strategic gameplay or those who prefer games with more predictable outcomes. The game’s unique mechanics and thematic twist make it a fun addition to a game night, but it might not be a staple in every gaming collection.

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