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Targi (2012) Board Game

ByMichail

Targi is a two-player board game released in 2012 by designer Andreas Steiger and published by KOSMOS. The game is set in an Arabian theme, where players take on the roles of Tuareg tribes in the Sahara desert, navigating the modular board to collect resources and outwit their opponent.

Game Components of Targi

  • Targi (meeples):** 3 per player, representing tribespeople.
  • Tribe markers:** 2 per player.
  • Border cards:** 16, always arranged in the same order.
  • Goods cards:** Representing resources like dates, salt, pepper, and gold.
  • Tribe cards:** Various types with special abilities and point values.
  • Robber token:** Acts as a round clock and endgame timer.
  • Victory points (VP) tokens:** For tracking points.
  • Resources:** Coins, dates, salt, pepper, and gold.
  • Tableau:** A 3×4 grid for each player to build with Tribe cards.

    How To Setup Targi

    To set up Targi, start by constructing the central grid with the 16 border cards, which always maintain the same order. Shuffle the Tribe cards and Goods cards into separate decks. Place a Goods card face-up in each corner and the center of the grid, and fill the remaining spaces with Tribe cards. Each player receives 3 Targi, 2 Tribe markers, 4 VP tokens, 1 coin, and 2 of each resource. The robber token is placed next to the ‘Noble’ border card. A start player is selected and given the start player token.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Worker Placement:** Players place their Targi along the border cards to perform actions and block opponents.
  • Intersection Mechanic:** Lines from Targi intersect to determine which inner cards players can claim.
  • Resource Management:** Players collect resources to purchase Tribe cards.
  • Tableau Building:** Players construct a 3×4 grid of Tribe cards to earn points.
  • Robber Mechanic:** The robber moves around the perimeter, stealing resources or VP and triggering the endgame.
  • Objective:** The player with the most VP, earned through Tribe cards and bonuses for rows of the same or different tribe types, wins.

    Player Experience

    Targi offers a deeply strategic and interactive experience, particularly suited for two players. The game is characterized by its precise and fragile system of intersections, where every meeple placement reveals critical information about a player’s strategy. Players must balance between achieving their goals and preventing their opponent from doing the same, creating a constant tension and need for strategic thinking. The game’s design ensures that each decision feels weighted by consequence, making it engaging and challenging.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Requires careful planning and adaptation.
  • High Interactivity:** Players constantly influence each other’s moves.
  • Unique Mechanics:** The intersection mechanic and robber add a fresh twist to worker placement.
  • Replay Value:** Randomly assigned Goods and Tribe cards ensure varied gameplay.

    Cons

  • Analysis Paralysis:** Players prone to overthinking may experience long decision-making times.
  • Component Quality:** Some components, like the goods tokens, have minor quality issues.
  • Limited Art Appeal:** The game’s artwork is functional but not particularly eye-catching.

    Personal Thoughts on Targi

    Targi is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with high interactivity and a competitive edge. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the challenge of worker placement games and the nuances of blocking and outmaneuvering an opponent. While it may not be the best fit for players who prefer shorter, less complex games, Targi offers a rewarding experience for those willing to delve into its intricate mechanics.

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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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