Q.E. (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Q.E. (Quantitative Easing) is a board game released in 2017 by designer Gavin Birnbaum. The game falls under the economic category and is known for its unique auction/bidding mechanism. Players take on the roles of central bankers with the task of printing money to bail out struggling countries. The game has received praise for its strategic depth and replayability.

Game Components of Q.E.

16 company tiles, each part of one of four industries and located in one of four countries

Player flags and corresponding company tiles

Bid tracking mechanism (though bids are secret)

Scorepad for tracking points

Rules and components for 3-player variant and 5-player expansion (in some editions)

How To Setup Q.E.

To set up Q.E., each player is assigned a country and one starting company tile. The remaining company tiles are shuffled and placed face down. The active player for the first round is determined, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Auction Mechanic: Players bid secretly on company tiles, with the highest bidder winning the tile.

Set Collection: Players collect company tiles to score points in various categories.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by the end of the game without spending the most money in total bids.

Scoring Categories:
– Points on the company tiles
– Nationalization: points for companies with the same flag as the player’s flag
– Monopolization: points for having multiple companies of the same type
– Diversification: points for having 3 or 4 different types of companies

Unique Twist: The player who spends the most money on bids is automatically eliminated from the game.

Player Experience

Playing Q.E. is a tense and engaging experience. The ability to bid any amount, combined with the secrecy of bids, creates a meta-game where players must balance their desire to win companies with the risk of overspending. This dynamic makes each decision critical, as players cannot track all the bids made by others. The game typically lasts 30-45 minutes, making it a great filler game.

Pros

Unique Mechanic: The blank check bidding system adds a thrilling layer of strategy and tension.

Interactive: Every decision is influenced by the actions of other players.

Quick Gameplay: The game is shorter, lasting around 30-45 minutes.

Multiple Scoring Paths: Offers various ways to score points, encouraging different strategies.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Originally designed for exactly four players; three-player variant is less satisfying, and the five-player expansion is rare.

Risk of Overbidding: The threat of being eliminated for spending too much can be a significant challenge.

Personal Thoughts on Q.E.

Q.E. is ideal for those who enjoy auction games and are looking for a unique twist. It is particularly suited for a consistent group of four players due to its optimal player count. The game’s blend of strategy, secrecy, and the risk of overbidding makes it a compelling addition to any board game collection. If you appreciate games that challenge your meta-game skills and offer a high level of interaction, Q.E. is definitely worth considering.

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