Patronize (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Patronize is a card game released in 2013 by OKAZU Brand, designed by Hisashi Hayashi. The game falls into the Renaissance category and revolves around hand management and trick-taking mechanisms. With beautiful artwork by Ryo Nyamo, Patronize is suitable for 3-5 players, aged 14 and above.

Game Components of Patronize

17 types of people cards, each with different abilities

Dominare: Promo Cards

Mercante: Shipment & Fleeting Promo Cards

Courtier: Power Promo Cards

How To Setup Patronize

To set up Patronize, players first shuffle and deal the people cards, ensuring each player has a balanced hand. The game area is prepared by placing the various promo cards and any additional components within reach. Each player starts with a set amount of resources or influence tokens, which will be used throughout the game to bid on and protect their protégés.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Become the most famous patron by supporting and protecting talented individuals.

Mechanics:
– Hand Management: Players must manage their card hands to make strategic bids.
– Trick-taking: Players engage in trick-taking rounds to secure their desired protégés.

Player Actions:
– Bidding on protégés using influence tokens.
– Using special abilities from people cards to influence the game.
– Protecting protégés from being snatched by other players.

Player Experience

Playing Patronize feels like navigating a competitive Renaissance market where wealth and influence are key. Players must balance their bids carefully, use their card abilities strategically, and sometimes outmaneuver their opponents to secure the best protégés. The game is fast-paced and requires a mix of tactical thinking and a bit of luck.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The Renaissance setting adds a unique and interesting backdrop to the gameplay.

Strategic Depth: The combination of hand management and trick-taking mechanics offers a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is best with 3 to 5 players, which may limit its appeal for larger or smaller groups.

Luck Factor: The randomness of card draws can sometimes overshadow strategic play.

Complexity: While not overly complex, the game may require a few rounds to fully understand all the nuances.

Personal Thoughts on Patronize

Patronize is ideal for those who enjoy strategic card games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the Renaissance era and the dynamics of patronage and competition. While it may not be the best fit for very large or very small gaming groups, it offers a compelling experience for its intended player count. If you’re looking for a game that combines historical flair with modern card game mechanics, Patronize is definitely worth a look.

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