Personal Preference (1987) Board Game

Personal Preference is a board game that was released in 1987 and designed by Donal Carlston. It is a party game that can be played by 2-16 players, with the best experience being with 4 or 8 players. The game revolves around players making predictions about each other’s preferences on various topics.

Game Components of Personal Preference

Game board

Category cards (including foods, activities, people, art, places, experiences, pet peeves, etc.)

Ranking chips (1, 2, 3, 4)

Envelopes for secret ranking

Player pawns

How To Setup Personal Preference

To set up the game, each player chooses a pawn and places it on the starting space on the board. The category cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player receives ranking chips. The active player, known as “IT,” draws four cards from the category indicated by their pawn’s position on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players take turns drawing four items from a category.
– The active player secretly ranks these items in order of personal preference.
– Other players, including teammates, guess the ranking using their ranking chips.
– Players can choose to “double” their guesses for higher rewards or penalties.

Game Objective:
– Guess the active player’s rankings correctly to move forward on the board.
– Teams move their pawn forward one space for each correct guess and are not penalized for incorrect guesses unless they “doubled” the guess, in which case they move backward.

Player Experience

**Personal Preference** is designed for social interaction and is highly enjoyable, especially in group settings. Players engage in discussions and debates to agree on rankings, which fosters teamwork and communication. The game is simple to learn but challenging to master, as it requires understanding the preferences of other players. It is suitable for players aged 12 and above, though younger players can also enjoy it with some guidance.

Pros

Social Interaction: Encourages bonding and discussions among players.

Replayability: High replay value due to the random drawing of category cards and the subjective nature of preferences.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Nostalgia: The vintage version can be nostalgic for those who played it in their childhood, while the updated version appeals to newer generations.

Cons

Dated Content: The original version’s category cards can be outdated, making them less relevant to younger players.

Team Dynamics: Team play can lead to compromises and disagreements, which may not be ideal for all players.

Personal Thoughts on Personal Preference

**Personal Preference** is perfect for those who enjoy light-hearted, social games that promote interaction and fun. It is not a strategy game like **Coup** or **Pandemic**, but rather a game that excels at bringing people together and fostering a sense of community. The updated version with new card decks makes it appealing to both old and new players, ensuring its relevance across different age groups. If you’re looking for a game to enjoy with friends or family that isn’t too complex but is full of laughter and discussion, **Personal Preference** is an excellent choice.

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