Penny Black (2023) Board Game

Penny Black is a board game that was released in 2023 and designed by Adam Grason, Brigette Indelicato, Kwanchai Moriya, and Steven Noble. The game is centered around the theme of mail, stamps, and the post office, providing a unique and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Penny Black

Chunky plastic stamp tokens

Handsome collection albums used as player boards

Market boards equal to the number of players plus one

Scoring cards for each player

Penny Black stamps

Round track board with a wooden stamping token

Beautiful stamp tiles designed by different artists

Fold-out stamp album, mail bag, and a Penny Black rubber stamp round marker.

How To Setup Penny Black

To set up the game, each player selects a stamp album and places two scoring cards outside each half of the album. These scoring cards define the objectives for each player. The market boards are prepared by placing three randomly-selected regular stamps or a single Penny Black stamp on each board. The game is ready to start once the draw bag is filled with the remaining stamps and each player understands their scoring criteria.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players select market boards and place the stamps on their album, ensuring orthogonal touch with previously-placed stamps.

Drafting: Players choose a market board, and the unused stamps are redistributed to other boards.

Scoring: Points are scored based on sets, sequences, and the presence of Penny Black stamps, which enhance the value of adjacent stamps.

Game Objective: The player with the most valuable stamp collection after 10 rounds wins.

Player Experience

Penny Black offers a delightful and accessible gaming experience. The game is easy to learn, with simple scoring rules that vary for each player. It presents a light puzzle that challenges players to maximize their stamp placement opportunities. The use of Penny Black tokens adds a strategic layer, often being the deciding factor in games. The production quality is high, with chunky stamp tokens and attractive artwork, making the game enjoyable for both children and adults.

Pros

Easy to learn with subtle strategy

High-quality components, including chunky stamp tokens and handsome collection albums

Simple yet engaging gameplay suitable for family gatherings

Quick gameplay, typically lasting 15-20 minutes

Beautiful and thematic artwork.

Cons

Limited complexity may not appeal to experienced gamers seeking deeper strategy

The game’s short duration might make it feel too brief for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Penny Black

Penny Black is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy light, strategic games. It is perfect for holiday gatherings or introductory gaming sessions due to its easy-to-learn mechanics and short playtime. While it may not offer the depth that hardcore gamers seek, it excels in its accessibility and fun factor, making it a great addition to any family game collection.

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