Supermarché (2014) Board Game

Supermarché is a dice-based economic board game designed by Ryan Mayes and released in in 2014. The game is designed for 1 player and focuses on managing a supermarket. Players must strategically use dice rolls to stock shelves, attract customers, and make sales to earn profits.

Game Components of Supermarché

Customer Deck: Represents the demanding customers who will shop at your store.

Distribution Center Deck: Provides the food items you can purchase to stock your shelves.

Food Types: Produce, Bakery, Dairy, Dry Goods, and Frozen items.

Sale and Coupon System: Allows you to put items on sale and use coupons to offset costs.

Money and Penalty Trackers: Keep tabs on your finances and any penalties incurred.

How To Setup Supermarché

To set up Supermarché, start by preparing the Distribution Center Deck and the Customer Deck. Each round consists of five phases: Preparation, Delivery, Stocking, Customer, and Waste. During the Preparation Phase, buy food from the Distribution Center, noting that costs change each round. Stock your shelves during the Stocking Phase, ensuring you have a good selection for your customers. Customers will shop based on their specific needs during the Customer Phase, and any unsold items will be discarded during the Waste Phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Make the most money over six rounds by efficiently managing your grocery store.

Phases:

Preparation: Buy food at varying prices.

Delivery: Receive the purchased items.

Stocking: Stock shelves and possibly put items on sale.

Customer: Serve customers based on their needs.

Waste: Discard unsold items and incur penalties.

Mechanics: Resource management, sales and marketing, and risk management.

Player Experience

Playing Supermarché feels dynamic and challenging. You must balance buying food at the right prices, stocking your shelves strategically, and catering to the various needs of your customers. The game introduces elements of luck with random customer demands and changing prices, but it also offers enough decision points to make it engaging and strategic.

Pros

Free and Accessible: Available as a free print-and-play game.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines resource management with strategic decision-making.

Awards and Recognition: Highly acclaimed in the print-and-play community.

Replayability: Different customer demands and price changes ensure unique experiences each game.

Cons

Luck Factor: Random elements can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Penalties for Mistakes: Failing to meet customer demands or letting food spoil can be costly.

Complex Setup: While not overly complex, the setup and rules may take some time to grasp for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Supermarché

Supermarché is ideal for those who enjoy solitaire games and are looking for a challenge that combines strategy with a bit of luck. It’s a great game for anyone who appreciates resource management and the thrill of running their own business. The game’s complexity and depth make it suitable for experienced players, but the clear rules and phased gameplay also make it accessible to newcomers who are willing to learn. If you’re up for the challenge of keeping your grocery store afloat and maximizing your profits, Supermarché is definitely worth a try.

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