Pit Crew (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pit Crew is a racing-themed board game released in in 2017. Designed by William Bricker and published by Stronghold Games, it is a real-time, team-based game that puts players in the shoes of a pit crew working to get their race car back on the track as quickly as possible. With a runtime of 15-30 minutes and designed for 2-9 players, Pit Crew is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Game Components of Pit Crew

1 race track board

2 dice

3 lap marker cubes

3 wooden car tokens

2 double-sided car diagrams per team (6 total)

156 small cards (Action, Caps, & Monkey Wrenches)

Rules pamphlet

How To Setup Pit Crew

To set up **Pit Crew**, players are divided into two or three teams, each responsible for a different stock car. Each team receives a deck of cards used for refueling, changing tires, and tuning the engine. The game components, including the race track board, car tokens, and lap markers, are placed on the table. Teams arrange their double-sided car diagrams and prepare their card decks. The objective is to get their car back on the track as quickly and accurately as possible.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Mechanics: Players work simultaneously without turns, playing cards to complete tasks.

Cooperative Play: Teams must communicate and coordinate to replace tires, fill the fuel tank, and repair the engine.

Error Penalties: Mistakes in card placement result in penalties that benefit other teams.

Turbo Bonuses: Completing tasks efficiently earns turbo bonuses that can significantly improve a team’s position.

Game Objective: The team whose car advances the furthest on the track after three rounds wins.

Player Experience

**Pit Crew** is designed for 2-9 players, with a playing time of 15-30 minutes. It is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game is at its best with multiple players on each team, as it requires intense communication and coordination. While it can be played with fewer players, the experience becomes more chaotic and exciting with larger teams.

Pros

Fast-Paced Action: The real-time mechanics create a thrilling and dynamic gameplay experience.

Teamwork: Encourages strong communication and coordination among team members.

Accessibility: Easy to learn and teach, making it ideal for new players.

Replay Value: Multiple rounds and different team compositions keep the game fresh.

Cons

Component Quality: The small card size can make differentiation between card types difficult.

Penalty System: Mistakes can significantly hinder a team’s progress, leading to frustration.

Runaway Winner Scenarios: Faster teams may consistently outperform slower ones.

Personal Thoughts on Pit Crew

**Pit Crew** is perfect for fans of automotive racing and those looking for a lighter, yet stimulating, team-based game. It excels in group settings where communication and quick decision-making are key. While it may not be the top choice for intensive strategy game enthusiasts, it offers a unique and exhilarating experience that is great for family or friend gatherings. The game’s design ensures that it is more enjoyable with larger teams, making it an excellent addition to any game night.

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