Peanut Club (2018) Board Game

Peanut Club is a card game released in 2018 by Hachette Boardgames UK. Designed by Henri Kermarrec, the game is a fun and light-hearted party game suitable for 3 to 6 players aged 8 and above. With a playtime of around 20 minutes, Peanut Club is perfect for casual game nights or gatherings with friends and family.

Game Components of Peanut Club

Character Cards: Each player chooses a character card with their category symbol.

Currency Cards: 90 coin cards representing Camels, Peanuts, and Million Dollars.

Object Cards: 31 cards showing various objects and their category symbols.

Power Tokens: 30 tokens allowing players to manipulate bids and currencies.

Currency Value Cards: Determine the relative values of the three currencies.

Rules Booklet: For understanding the game mechanics and setup.

How To Setup Peanut Club

At the beginning of the game, each player selects a character card and receives a random set of currency cards totaling a value of 35. The first collection of 1 to 3 object cards is then revealed, and players start bidding simultaneously. Each object card displays the object itself and two category symbols from eight existing categories.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction/Bidding: Players bid using Camels, Peanuts, and Million Dollars, with randomly determined but variable currency values.

Set Collection: Players aim to collect sets of three identical category symbols.

Power Tokens: Allow players to change currency rates, forbid currency use, or alter bid values.

Game Objective

Collect the most valuable collection of objects by winning auctions.

Score points for every 3 identical category symbols (3 points each), and for Luxury, Antique, and player’s character category symbols (1 point each).

Player Experience

In Peanut Club, players are immersed in a unique auction environment where the values of currencies can change dramatically. The game requires strategic thinking about when to use power tokens and how to manage your diverse currency holdings. The unpredictability of currency values and the special abilities of power tokens add a layer of excitement and tactical depth to the bidding process.

Pros

Unique Bidding Mechanism: The variable currency values and power tokens create a dynamic and unpredictable bidding experience.

Strategic Depth: Players must carefully manage their currencies and decide when to use power tokens.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players as young as 8 years old.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last around 20 minutes.

Cons

Luck Factor: The random distribution of currency cards and object collections can introduce a significant luck element.

Limited Player Interaction: Besides bidding, there is minimal direct interaction between players.

Complexity for Younger Players: While suitable for ages 8+, younger players might find the currency management and power tokens somewhat complex.

Personal Thoughts on Peanut Club

Peanut Club is an excellent choice for families or casual gamers looking for a fun and quick game night experience. It teaches important strategic thinking and resource management skills in a playful and engaging way. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly competitive or deeply complex games, as the luck factor and simplicity of interactions might be a drawback. Nonetheless, its unique mechanics and family-friendly nature make it a great addition to any game collection.

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