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Thieves (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Thieves is a board game released in 2018, designed by Nigel Roper and illustrated by Merlin Games. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Dice, and Maze, with gameplay centered around dice rolling and grid movement. The game is designed for 2 players, with a runtime of around 30 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Thieves

  • Player boards** for each thief guild
  • Location cards** for drafting and worker placement
  • Thief tokens** to represent players’ thieves
  • Treasure tokens** to accumulate wealth
  • Fence tokens** for selling treasure
  • Reputation tokens** to track progress
  • Resource tokens** for various in-game uses

    How To Setup Thieves

    To set up Thieves, each player selects a player board and places it in front of them. The location cards are shuffled and a set number are drawn and placed face up on designated spaces on the main board. Each player starts with a few thief tokens and some initial resources. The game is ready to begin once all players have their starting components and the main board is set up with the necessary location cards and resources.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Drafting:** Players draft 3 location cards each round, which can be used for immediate effects or during the worker placement phase.
  • Worker Placement:** Players place their thief tokens on drafted or static locations to use abilities or claim resources.
  • Resource Management:** Managing the number of thieves and treasures stored is crucial.
  • Game Objective:** Amass the most treasure and reputation by strategically using drafted locations and selling treasure to fences.

    Player Experience

    Thieves offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience with a blend of card drafting and worker placement mechanics. Players must balance their resource management with the timing of their actions, as the game imposes limits on the number of thieves and treasures that can be stored. This balance makes timing a critical aspect of the game.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** Combines card drafting and worker placement for complex decision-making.
  • Elegant Simplicity:** The game mechanics are straightforward yet strategically rich.
  • Visual Appeal:** The game features stunning artwork that enhances the gaming experience.
  • Interactive Elements:** Players benefit from using locations drafted by other players, adding a social layer to the game.

    Cons

  • Game Length:** The game is noted to be too short, leaving players wanting more rounds.
  • Limited Information:** Some players might find the game lacks detailed instructions or components, though this is not a universal complaint.

    Personal Thoughts on Thieves

    Thieves is ideal for fans of strategy and resource management games who enjoy a mix of card drafting and worker placement mechanics. It is suitable for players looking for a game that requires thoughtful planning and timing, yet is easy to learn and visually appealing. While it may be too short for some, the game’s engaging mechanics make it a enjoyable experience for those who appreciate strategic gameplay.

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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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