Rancho (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Rancho is a family-friendly board game that was released in 2012 by Belleville. Designed by Michał Stajszczak, the game is centered around farm life and animals, making it a perfect choice for children and families.

Game Components of Rancho

Game board

Animal tokens (rabbits, sheep, cows, horses)

Dog figures (small and large dogs)

Pasture tokens (valued at 1, 2, and 4)

Player disks (in different colors)

Central herd tokens

How To Setup Rancho

To set up the game, place the board in the middle of the table. Take out the animal tokens, dog figures, and pasture tokens, and set them near the board. The number of animals in the central herd depends on the number of players. Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding disks, placing them in front of them. Each player then places one sheep and one rabbit from the central herd onto their farm, which are two adjacent spaces of their color on the edge of the board. For specific player configurations, ensure the farms are set up according to the number of players to avoid adjacency issues.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Ranch Expansion: Players can buy new pastures and exchange their animals with those from the central herd.

Animal Breeding: Players breed their animals by exchanging or buying new ones.

Predator Protection: Players must protect their animals from predators like wolves and foxes using dog figures.

Game Objective

The goal is to be the first player to have at least one rabbit, one sheep, one cow, and one horse on their farm, thus having the best ranch in the region.

Player Experience

Playing Rancho involves strategic planning and resource management as players expand their ranch and breed their animals while protecting them from predators. The game requires a balance between buying pastures, exchanging animals, and ensuring the safety of your livestock. The dynamic of paying fees to other players to access blocked pastures adds a social and tactical layer to the game.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Social Interaction: Players need to negotiate and pay fees to access blocked pastures.

Family-Friendly: Low complexity makes it accessible to a wide range of players.

Thematic Fun: The farm theme and animal breeding mechanics are engaging and fun.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game has a low complexity level, which might not appeal to experienced gamers.

Blocking Mechanic: Other players can block your expansion, which might lead to frustration.

Personal Thoughts on Rancho

Rancho is an excellent choice for families or casual gamers looking for a light-hearted, strategic game. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy thematic games with simple rules but meaningful decisions. However, experienced gamers might find it too simplistic. The game’s design encourages social interaction and strategic thinking, making it a great addition to any game night or family gathering.

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.