Pecking Order (1998) Board Game

Pecking Order is a board game designed by Richard Garfield and released in in 1998. It is a game that revolves around animals and bluffing, where players compete to establish dominance in the pecking order.

Game Components of Pecking Order

Cards depicting different animals

Auction/bidding tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Pecking Order

Shuffle the animal cards and deal a set number to each player.

Place the auction tokens in a central area.

Determine the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Pecking Order, players take turns playing animal cards and bidding on them with their auction tokens. The objective is to strategically bluff and outwit opponents to establish dominance in the pecking order and win the most points by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick gameplay, perfect for a casual game night.

Interesting bluffing mechanics keep players engaged.

Strategic depth despite simple rules.

Cons:

Limited replayability due to the game’s simplicity.

Luck can heavily influence the outcome of the game.

Lack of variety in gameplay mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Pecking Order

Pecking Order is a decent game for its category, offering a fun and light-hearted experience for players looking for a quick bluffing game. However, its limited replayability and reliance on luck may not appeal to more serious gamers. The build quality is average, and the pricing and availability of the game may vary depending on whether it is being sold as new or used.

Overall, Pecking Order is worth trying out if you enjoy bluffing games and are looking for a light and quick gaming experience. It is suitable for players aged 8 and above, but serious gamers may find it lacking in depth. Those who enjoy games with similar mechanics may also want to check out alternatives such as Coup or Sheriff of Nottingham. Players who prefer more complex and strategic games may want to skip Pecking Order in favor of other options.

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