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Swindler (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Swindler is a board game released in 2022 by Edition Spielwiese. Designed by Matthias Cramer and illustrated by Lisa Forsch, it falls under the economic category with gameplay centered around push your luck and take that mechanics. The game is suitable for 2–4 players aged 10 and above, with a runtime of 45–60 minutes.

Game Components of Swindler

  • 1 Game Board
  • 4 Player Boards
  • 42 Loot Tiles
  • 5 (Money) Bags
  • 40 Order Cards
  • 27 Accomplice Cards
  • 12 Dealer Tiles
  • 4 double-sided cards “Master Thief/Jailed”
  • 6 Coins
  • 1 Start Player Marker
  • 20 Wanted Posters
  • 6 neutral Loot Tiles
  • 1 Rulebook (EN)[5’.

    How To Setup Swindler

    To set up the game, each of the five moneybags is seeded with tokens matching the bag’s color. The order deck is constructed with A cards on top and B cards on the bottom, and the top 4 cards are placed on the board. Three dealer tiles are also placed on the board. Each player receives a player board and reservation markers. In reverse turn order, players draft a Master Thief card, which grants a unique special ability.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Key Mechanics:

  • Press-Your-Luck:** Players draw tokens from moneybags, risking getting caught if they draw a skull.
  • Take-That:** Players can use accomplices to hinder other players.
  • Order Fulfillment:** Players complete orders using the stolen loot.
  • Dealer Interactions:** Players sell loot to dealers for points.

    Game Objective:

  • Each round, players go through five steps: Reserve Orders, Steal from a money bag, Perform Actions, Replenish Dealer Tiles and Order Cards, and Hire Accomplices.
  • The goal is to accumulate the most points by completing orders, selling loot, and using special abilities.
  • The game ends when a player completes six orders, and the player with the most points is declared the most notorious swindler.

    Player Experience

    **Swindler** offers a dynamic and engaging experience, blending strategy with luck. Players must carefully balance the risk of stealing more loot with the danger of getting caught. The game is filled with interactive elements, such as hiring accomplices to gain advantages or disrupt other players. The setting of Victorian London adds a thematic layer, making the game feel immersive and fun. The mix of laughter, hooting, and hollering during gameplay sessions indicates that **Swindler** is enjoyed by participants.

    Pros

  • Interactive Gameplay:** Engaging mechanics that encourage player interaction.
  • Thematic Immersion:** The Victorian London setting adds a rich thematic layer.
  • Strategic Depth:** Balancing risk and reward makes each decision critical.
  • Social Fun:** Accomplices and take-that mechanics create a lively, competitive atmosphere.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor:** The game can be heavily influenced by luck, especially with the draw of skulls and accomplice cards.
  • Complexity:** Multiple mechanics and steps in each turn can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Player Disruption:** Some players may find the take-that mechanics frustrating if they are frequently targeted.

    Personal Thoughts on Swindler

    **Swindler** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a dash of luck and social interaction. It is suited for 2-4 players, making it a great option for small to medium-sized gaming groups. The game’s theme and mechanics are likely to appeal to fans of press-your-luck and take-that games. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with minimal luck or those who are easily frustrated by player interference. Overall, **Swindler** offers a fun and competitive experience that can add a fresh twist to any game night.

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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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