Pot de Vin (2017) Board Game

Pot de Vin is a board game released in 2017 by GateOnGames. Designed by Fel Barros and Warny Marçano, this game is set in the Renaissance era and revolves around political intrigue and deception. With a mix of hand management, set collection, and trick-taking mechanics, Pot de Vin offers a unique gaming experience for 3 to 6 players.

Game Components of Pot de Vin

Card Deck: Consisting of 52 cards, including four suits each representing influential figures, and special cards like Jokers and Pot-de-Vin (13) cards.

Guild Symbols: Each card has symbols at the bottom indicating the guild it aligns with.

Fate Gems: Used by players to pass their turn.

Rulebook: Available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, and German.

How To Setup Pot de Vin

To set up the game, all 52 cards are dealt among the players and onto a central board. The number of cards dealt in the middle and the player hand size depend on the number of players. The game typically involves 3 to 6 players. The first card in the center is turned face up to represent the trump card for that round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Hand Management, Set Collection, and Trick-taking.

Objective: Players aim to collect sets of different guild symbols by winning rounds and claiming the cards of their opponents. The goal is to gather the right amount of symbols to gain the most points.

Gameplay: Players must follow suit if they can, or use a fate gem to pass. The player with the highest value card in the trump suit takes the trick. Cards claimed are turned upside down to show the guild symbols and sorted into piles.

Special Cards:

Jokers: Can be added to any guild of the player’s choice.

Pot-de-Vin (13): These cards are worth significant points but are risky to collect as not collecting all can result in negative points.

Player Experience

Pot de Vin is a game that balances familiarity with new mechanics, making it easy for players to pick up while still offering a unique experience. The game is set in the aftermath of a political coup, where players vie for control of influential guilds by collecting the right guild symbols. The scoring system is non-traditional but simple to understand, requiring players to strategize carefully to avoid negative points.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game mechanics are familiar yet innovative, making it accessible to players who enjoy traditional card games.

Portable: The game comes in a compact box, ideal for travel or casual gaming sessions.

Strategic Depth: The unique scoring mechanism and the risk-reward system of collecting Pot-de-Vin cards add a layer of strategy.

Social Interaction: Supports 3 to 6 players, making it a great option for group gaming.

Cons

Component Quality: The card art is described as samey and not particularly inspiring.

Risk-Reward Balance: Collecting all Pot-de-Vin cards is a high-risk strategy that often fails.

Personal Thoughts on Pot de Vin

Pot de Vin is an excellent addition to any game collection for those who enjoy strategic card games with a twist. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate trick-taking games but are looking for something that adds a thematic layer and unique scoring mechanics. This game is ideal for casual Friday nights or as a travel game due to its compact size and relatively short playing time of 30-45 minutes. However, it may not appeal to players seeking games with high-quality component art or those who prefer more straightforward scoring systems.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.