Trust Me (1981) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Trust Me is a board game that was originally released in in 1981. It was designed by the D’Arcey brothers and published by Parker Brothers. The game is categorized as a bluffing and economic game, where players engage in betting and bluffing, commodity speculation, and stock holding.

Game Components of Trust Me

Game Board: Features various spaces including Crimson Circle, Gold Dust Drive, Blueberry Boulevard, and Green Horn Avenue.

Briefcases: 12 briefcases with unknown values until revealed.

Player Markers: Four dollar sign-shaped markers.

Dice: One six-sided die.

Money: Currency in various denominations.

Shares: Match the denominations of the money.

Trust Me Cards: 20 cards with various instructions.

Claim Markers: Four markers to claim briefcases.

How To Setup Trust Me

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Distribute the 12 briefcases across designated spaces on the board. Each player chooses a dollar sign marker and places it on the starting space. Shuffle and distribute the Trust Me cards. Ensure each player has an equal amount of money and shares to begin with. The objective is to have the greatest total wealth by the end of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the player with the greatest total of wealth, including money and shares, when only two briefcases remain on the board.

Gameplay: Players roll the die to move around the board and claim briefcases. They must convince other players to invest in the briefcase by buying shares.

Reveal: After investments, the briefcase is flipped over to reveal its value. The value can be nothing, the same amount as the investments, or double the investments.

Trust Me Cards: These cards can alter gameplay by instructing players to move to specific spaces, challenge other players, or take other actions.

Player Experience

Playing **Trust Me** involves a mix of luck, bluffing, and strategy. Players need to convincingly pitch their briefcases to other players to secure investments, while also making wise decisions about which briefcases to invest in. The game is interactive and requires social skills, as players negotiate and sometimes deceive each other to gain an advantage. The unpredictability of the briefcase values and the Trust Me cards adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the game.

Pros

Interactive: Encourages social interaction and negotiation among players.

Unpredictable: The unknown values of the briefcases and the Trust Me cards keep the game exciting.

Strategy: Combines bluffing and risk-taking with strategic decision-making.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand the basic rules, making it accessible to new players.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The roll of the die and the reveal of briefcase values introduce a significant element of luck.

Limited Depth: Some players may find the game mechanics too simplistic or lacking in depth.

Outdated: Being a 1981 game, some components and designs may seem dated compared to modern board games.

Personal Thoughts on Trust Me

**Trust Me** is a game best suited for those who enjoy light-hearted, interactive games with a social twist. It’s ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, easy-to-learn experience. While it may not appeal to fans of complex strategy games, it offers a unique blend of bluffing and risk-taking that can be quite entertaining. If you can find it at a reasonable price, it’s worth adding to your collection for its nostalgic value and the unique gameplay it offers.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.