Tsukiji (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Tsukiji is a board game that was released in 2017 by designer Leandro Pires and published by Redbox Editora. The game is set in the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, Japan, where players take on the role of competing fish merchants. With a mix of auction/bidding, commodity speculation, market management, and set collection, Tsukiji offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Tsukiji

Player boards

Auction cards

Fish tokens

Bid tokens

Market boards

Rulebook

How To Setup Tsukiji

To set up Tsukiji, players start by placing the market boards in the middle of the playing area. Each player receives a player board and a set of bid tokens. The auction cards are shuffled and placed face down on designated spaces on the market boards. Fish tokens are distributed according to the number of players. The rulebook provides detailed steps, but essentially, the setup involves preparing the market and distributing player resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding Mechanic: Players bid on fish auctions to purchase fish tokens.

Auction Mechanic: Auctions are conducted in rounds, with players using bid tokens to secure fish.

Economic Management: Players manage their resources to maximize their returns.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most valuable collection of fish by strategically bidding and managing market fluctuations.

Player Experience

Playing Tsukiji is a fast-paced and strategic experience. The game requires players to balance their bids carefully, as the value of the fish can vary significantly. The hidden information element adds a layer of unpredictability, making each game unique. The simplicity of the rules contrasts with the complexity of the strategies involved, making it appealing to both casual and experienced gamers.

Pros

Quick Games: Games last less than 30 minutes.

High Replayability: Variable setup ensures different experiences each time.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and adaptation.

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

Cons

Complexity in Execution: While rules are simple, the gameplay can be tricky to understand initially.

Limited Player Count: Optimal with 3-4 players; 2-player games can be awkward.

Market Behavior: The game can break down if the player group develops certain behaviors.

Personal Thoughts on Tsukiji

Tsukiji is ideal for those who enjoy economic and bidding games with a dash of unpredictability. It is a great fit for groups looking for a quick, strategic game that doesn’t require a lengthy setup or rules explanation. However, it may not be the best choice for groups that tend to develop behaviors that could disrupt the game’s balance.Overall, Tsukiji offers a fun and variable economic gaming experience that is well worth exploring.

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