Tavern Masters (2017) Board Game

Tavern Masters is a card game released in 2017, designed by Galen Ihlenfeldt and published by Dann Kriss Games. It falls under the categories of card game, fantasy, humor, and negotiation. The game is designed for 1-6 players, with a runtime of 20-30 minutes and is suitable for ages 13 and up.

Game Components of Tavern Masters

70 Tavern Cards

75 Patron Cards

60 Gold Coin Tokens

10 Golden Dragon Tokens

5 Round Counters

4 Helper Boards

1 Server Token

1 Rules Booklet.

How To Setup Tavern Masters

To set up Tavern Masters, each player starts by receiving a Helper Board and a set amount of gold. The Tavern Cards, Patron Cards, and other tokens are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game is divided into three phases: the Day Phase, where players buy goods and hire staff; the Night Phase, where patrons visit the tavern; and the Counting the Till phase, where players calculate their earnings. The setup ensures simultaneous turns to minimize player downtime.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Tableau-Building: Players build their tavern by adding cards.

Trading: Players can trade goods and staff cards.

Simultaneous Action Selection: Turns are taken simultaneously.

Economic Management: Managing gold to buy goods and hire staff.

Objective

In competitive play, the goal is to earn the most gold to secure the Royal Tavern license.

In cooperative play, players must collectively earn enough gold to prevent a Warlord from raiding the village.

In solo play, the objective is to raise enough gold to pay off the King’s tax collector before the tavern is closed.

Player Experience

Tavern Masters offers a dynamic and interactive experience where players must balance the needs of different patrons, from thugs and soldiers to mages and nobles. The game requires strategic planning, efficient resource management, and a bit of luck. The simultaneous action mechanism keeps all players engaged throughout the game, reducing downtime.

Pros

Multiple Play Modes: Competitive, cooperative, and solo play options.

High Replayability: Random patron and tavern card draws ensure different experiences each game.

Engaging Mechanics: Simultaneous turns and trading keep the game interactive.

Thematic Depth: Immersive tavern management theme with varied patron types.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may need time to understand the rules and phases.

Component Management: Managing the various cards and tokens can be cumbersome.

Luck Factor: The random draw of cards can sometimes tip the balance unfairly.

Personal Thoughts on Tavern Masters

Tavern Masters is ideal for players who enjoy strategic economic games with a strong thematic element. It is perfect for those who like to manage resources, trade, and build their own tableau. The game’s multiple play modes make it versatile, suitable for both competitive and cooperative players, as well as solo adventurers. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a simple, quick game with minimal complexity, as it does require some time to learn and master.

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