Speakeasy Blues (2018) Board Game

Speakeasy Blues is a board game released in 2018, designed by Heiko Günther and Don Whitson. The game is set in the Prohibition era, where players take on the roles of rival mobsters trying to establish the most successful speakeasy in town.

Game Components of Speakeasy Blues

Game board featuring various areas for Collection items, Society figures, Jazz tokens, Crime cards, and money

5 pairs of colored dice, each pair a different color with specific symbols

Collection cards

Society cards

Crime cards

Police favor cards

Hooch tokens

Jazz tokens

Event cards

How To Setup Speakeasy Blues

To set up the game, players start by rolling three of the five colors of dice and placing them on the board based on their symbols. Each player prepares their speakeasy by organizing their columns where they will place cards. The Event cards are shuffled and placed within reach to serve as a timer for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Placement: Players roll and place dice to take actions on the board.

Resource Management: Manage Hooch, Jazz tokens, and favors from Crime families and the Police.

Card Collection: Collect Collection cards, Society cards, and Crime cards to score points.

Speakeasy Actions: Use Hooch to perform actions from the front-most cards in each column.

Event Cards: Prepare for and respond to events that can affect gameplay and scoring.

End Game Scoring: Score points for top-most Collection cards, Society figures, and favors from Crime families and the Police.

Player Experience

Playing **Speakeasy Blues** is an immersive experience, particularly with more than two players. The game requires strategic planning, as players must balance collecting valuable cards, gaining favors, and managing resources. The addition of Society figures and Collection cards adds a layer of complexity, making each turn a thoughtful decision. Events and contests introduced through Event cards keeps the game dynamic and engaging.

Pros

Thematic Design: The game’s design and components are highly thematic, bringing the Prohibition Era to life.

Strategic Depth: Offers a good balance of resource management and strategic card placement.

Dynamic Gameplay: Events and contests add unpredictability and excitement.

Scalability: Improves significantly with more players, offering more variety and interaction.

Cons

Lack of Scoresheet: The game does not include a scoresheet, necessitating a fan-created one.

Two-Player Limitations: The game feels rushed and less engaging with only two players.

Dice Stagnation: Dice placement can sometimes feel static if rolls are not favorable.

Personal Thoughts on Speakeasy Blues

**Speakeasy Blues** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for groups of three or more players, as this enhances the variety and interaction of the game. Fans of dice-placement mechanics and resource management will find this game engaging and challenging. However, those looking for a quick, two-player experience might find it less satisfying due to its brevity and reduced strategic depth in that context.

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