The Great Canadian Pie (1977) Board Game

The Great Canadian Pie is a classic board game that was first released in in 1977. Designed by Earl Doherty and featuring artwork by Waddingtons, this game has become a staple in Canadian households for its unique blend of economic, negotiation, and political gameplay elements.

Game Components of The Great Canadian Pie

Puzzle-cut board: The board is divided into the provinces of Canada.

Player tokens: Each player represents a provincial premier.

Investment cards: Used to attract foreign investment.

Other game pieces: Various markers and resources for tracking progress.

How To Setup The Great Canadian Pie

To set up the game, players first place the puzzle-cut board on the table, ensuring all provinces are correctly aligned. Each player chooses a token and places it on their respective province. Investment cards are shuffled and distributed according to the game’s rules. The objective is clear from the start: each player aims to attract the most foreign investment to their province.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Attracting investment: Players take turns drawing investment cards and using them to lure foreign investment to their province.

Provincial development: Players must manage resources and make strategic decisions to develop their provinces.

Game objective: The player who attracts the most foreign investment by the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Playing The Great Canadian Pie is an engaging experience that combines educational elements with competitive strategy. Players must balance resource management with strategic decision-making, all while learning about the geographical layout of Canada. The game is suitable for 4-9 players and typically lasts about 120 minutes.

Pros

Educational value: Players learn about Canadian geography.

Strategic depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Interactive: Encourages player interaction and competition.

Cons

Lengthy gameplay: Games can be quite long, lasting up to 120 minutes.

Complex setup: The puzzle-cut board requires careful assembly.

Limited availability: As a vintage game, it may be difficult to find.

Personal Thoughts on The Great Canadian Pie

The Great Canadian Pie is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with an educational twist. It’s perfect for families or groups interested in learning about Canadian geography while having fun. However, due to its length and complexity, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those looking for a quick play session. For enthusiasts of vintage board games and Canadian culture, this game is a unique and rewarding experience.

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