Sheffield Shares (1989) Board Game

Sheffield Shares is a board game that was released in 1989 by Sheffield YMCA and Triaktiv. It is an economic game that allows 2-6 players to participate in stock holding and trading. The game is designed to simulate the ups and downs of the stock market in a fun and engaging way.

Game Components of Sheffield Shares

Game board

Share blocks (black: 50,000 shares, red: 10,000 shares, yellow: 5,000 shares, green: 1,000 shares)

Gold ingots

Share price cards

Chance cards

Share price charts

Chairs (for company chairmanship)

How To Setup Sheffield Shares

To set up the game, players start by receiving an initial amount of gold ingots and a share price chart. The stockbroker shuffles the share price cards and deals 10 cards face down to each player. The game board is set up with the detachable center piece, and the share blocks are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Roll / Spin and Move: Though not explicitly mentioned, the game involves strategic movements based on card draws.

Stock Holding: Players buy and sell shares of various companies.

Objective

The objective is to build wealth by speculating on the stock market.

Players use imitation money to purchase share-representing blocks, which are influenced by randomly distributed playing cards.

The player with the highest value of shares and money at the end of the game wins.

Players can become Chairman of a company by owning 100,000 or more shares, allowing them to discard specific cards related to that company.

Player Experience

Sheffield Shares offers a Monopoly-style experience with a focus on stock market trading. Players engage in buying and selling shares, managing their wealth, and dealing with the uncertainties introduced by chance cards. The game requires strategic thinking and a bit of luck, making it engaging for those interested in economic and financial simulations.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches players about stock market mechanics and financial strategy.

Interactive: Involves a mix of luck and strategy, keeping players engaged.

Replayability: Multiple rounds and random card distributions ensure different outcomes each time.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a moderate to high complexity level, which might deter casual players.

Length: Games can last up to 60 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Outdated: Being released in 1989, the game may feel less modern compared to newer economic board games.

Personal Thoughts on Sheffield Shares

Sheffield Shares is ideal for those who enjoy economic and strategic board games, particularly fans of Monopoly or stock market simulations. It is a great game for teaching financial concepts in an engaging way and can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced players. However, its complexity and length might make it less appealing to casual gamers or those looking for quicker game sessions.

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