The Big Cheese (1998) Board Game

The Big Cheese is a card game released in 1998 by Cheapass Games. It is designed by James Ernest and Jon Wilkie, with artwork by Rossana Berretta, James Ernest, and Carol Monahan. The game is themed around animals and involves auction/bidding and dice rolling mechanics.

Game Components of The Big Cheese

Project cards: Representing various corporate projects.

Worker rats: Used by players to bid on projects.

Game board or playing surface: For managing bids and projects.

How To Setup The Big Cheese

Players start by each receiving a pool of “worker rats.” The project cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player’s goal is to use their worker rats to bid on the available projects.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding Mechanic: Players bid on project cards using their worker rats.

Resource Management: Players must manage their worker rats to optimize their bids.

Game Objective: Gain control of corporate projects by winning bids, with the aim of accumulating the most valuable projects.

Player Experience

In **The Big Cheese**, players take on the roles of corporate vice presidents who use their employee’s time (represented by worker rats) to bid on various projects. The game is known for its simple yet strategic gameplay, requiring players to balance their bids carefully to secure the most lucrative projects.

Pros

Simple to Learn: Easy rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Requires thoughtful bidding and resource management.

Unique Theme: The use of rats as corporate employees adds a quirky twist.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to players seeking highly complex games.

Repetitive Gameplay: Bidding mechanism can become repetitive over multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on The Big Cheese

**The Big Cheese** is ideal for players who enjoy light to medium-weight strategy games with a unique theme. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate auction mechanics and resource management. While it may not offer the complexity some gamers crave, it provides a fun and engaging experience for a casual game night.

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