Vintage "SQUANDER" board game box by Avalon Hill featuring colorful letters, a character throwing money, and the tagline "if you're a BORN LOSER, you'll win the game!" against a cityscape backdrop.
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Squander (1965)

ByMichail

Squander

“Squander” is an Avalon Hill board game published in 1965. It was designed to be a humorous take on the classic board game Monopoly, but with a twist: the goal is to lose money rather than gain it. The game was developed by Avalon Hill, a company that specializes in war games and strategic board games.

Why is Squander Popular?

Squander is popular for its unique and humorous approach to the traditional board game experience. Instead of accumulating wealth, players aim to become bankrupt as quickly as possible, making it a refreshing and lighthearted alternative to more competitive board games. The game’s popularity has persisted over the years, with numerous online forums and communities dedicated to discussing and playing Squander.

Game Components of Squander

  • Game board
  • Dice
  • Player tokens
  • Squanderbucks (game currency)
  • Rulebook
  • Various financial decision cards or opportunities

    How To Setup Squander

    To set up the game, each player starts with a million Squanderbucks. The game board is laid out, and players choose their tokens. The objective and rules are explained, and then the game begins with the first player rolling the dice to determine how many spaces they can move.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: Be the first player to lose all their Squanderbucks and become bankrupt.
  • Gameplay Mechanics:
    – Roll dice to move around the board.
    – Encounter financial decisions and opportunities.
    – Make choices to spend or lose money.
    – Track progress to see who loses all their money first.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Squander** is a unique twist on the traditional board game experience. It challenges players to think creatively about how to lose money, which can be both fun and strategically engaging. The game encourages strategic thought and financial decision-making, but with an ironic twist.

    Pros

  • Unique Concept: Offers a fresh take on the Monopoly-style board game.
  • Strategic Depth: Requires players to think strategically about losing money.
  • Social Interaction: Can be a fun and engaging experience with friends and family.

    Cons

  • Limited Availability: As a vintage game, it may be hard to find or expensive to purchase.
  • Niche Appeal: The reverse financial goal might not appeal to everyone.

    Personal Thoughts on Squander

    **Squander** is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of irony and a challenge in their board games. It’s perfect for players looking to mix up their usual Monopoly experiences or for those who appreciate a good economic strategy game with a twist. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more traditional or straightforward game objectives. If you’re looking for a unique and engaging game night experience, **Squander** could be an excellent addition to your collection.

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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