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Senators (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Senators is a card game that was released in in 2017. It is designed by Andrew Higgins, Pascal Quidault, and Diletta De Santis, with artwork by La Mame Games. The game is set in ancient times and involves auction mechanics and bidding strategies.

Game Components of Senators

  • Cards:** Event cards, Goods cards (wood, cloth, olives, etc.), Office cards
  • Tokens:** Senators, Talents (money), Resources
  • Boards/Tracks:** Scoretrack for senators

    How To Setup Senators

    To set up the game, each player starts with five senators and some initial cash. Players are dealt three random goods cards from different decks. The Event deck is prepared, which includes various cards that will impact gameplay. Office cards are also shuffled and ready for use. The game components are laid out, and players are ready to begin their turn sequence.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Event Phase:** Draw an Event card and resolve its effects, which can be punitive or beneficial.
  • Auction:** Flip over the top cards from the goods decks and the Office deck. Players bid on these cards, with the option to sell to the highest bidder or keep the card by paying the highest bid.
  • Extortion:** Players can extort cards from other players by making an offer; the targeted player must either sell the card or pay the offered amount to keep it.
  • Cash-In:** Players can exchange three matching goods cards (or three cards with sequential numbers) for cash. This action allows players to advance on the Senator track by paying 10 cash for a new senator.
  • Office Cards:** These cards provide special abilities and bonuses.

    Game Objective

    The game ends when the fourth War card is drawn from the Event deck. The player with the most senators is declared the winner. In case of a tie, the richest player wins.

    Player Experience

    **Senators** is a fast-paced, interactive game that involves strategic bidding, extortion, and resource management. Players must navigate the randomness of the Event deck while competing fiercely against each other. The game is known for its chaotic nature and the significant impact of blind bidding and extortion mechanics. Players need to balance their resources carefully, as running out of cash can lead to losing senators.

    Pros

  • Interactive and Dynamic:** The game involves constant interaction and bidding, making it engaging and competitive.
  • Strategic Depth:** Players must strategize around the Event cards, auctions, and extortion to maximize their gains.
  • Quick Games:** Despite the complexity, games can end quickly due to the War cards.

    Cons

  • Chaotic Nature:** The game’s randomness and blind bidding can be off-putting for some players.
  • Complex Money System:** Managing cash and resources can be challenging.
  • Not for the Faint-Hearted:** Extortion mechanics can lead to aggressive play, which may not suit all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Senators

    **Senators** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong competitive edge. It is not for those who prefer gentle, cooperative gameplay. The game’s combination of luck, tactics, and player interaction makes it a hit for those who love a bit of chaos and screwage in their board games. However, it may disappoint players who prefer more predictable or cooperative experiences.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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