Yangtze (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Yangtze is a board game designed by Klemens Franz and released in in 2016. The game is set in China and revolves around the Yangtze River, where players compete in an auction/bidding and set collection mechanics to earn points. The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players, aged 8 and above, and typically lasts around 60 minutes.

Game Components of Yangtze

Money Trackers

Player Screens

Luxury Goods Tiles

Office Tiles

Ruler Tiles

Special cards (each player starts with a half-dozen)

How To Setup Yangtze

To set up Yangtze, players begin by distributing the starting special cards and setting up the board, which represents the Yangtze River flowing towards Shanghai. Each player selects a player screen and places their money trackers. The goods tiles are arranged on the board, and the game is ready to start once all components are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: On a turn, a player can take two actions: selling one or more bundles of goods and possibly purchasing a commodity.

Goods Pricing: Goods become cheaper as they drift towards Shanghai, allowing players to wait for bargains or risk losing goods to other traders.

Business Branches: Players can establish business branches to gain advantages during the game.

Special Cards: Players use special cards to influence their actions and trading.

Objective: The goal is to make the most money by strategically trading goods and establishing business branches.

Player Experience

In Yangtze, players engage in a dynamic trading environment where patience and timing are crucial. The game encourages strategic thinking as players balance the need to sell goods at the right time with the risk of losing them to other players. The addition of business branches and special cards adds layers of strategy, allowing players to adapt and respond to the market.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Encourages strategic thinking and planning.

Dynamic Market: The changing prices of goods create a dynamic and engaging market.

Simple to Learn: The game mechanics are easy to understand, making it accessible to new players.

Interactive: Players can influence each other’s actions through trading and special cards.

Cons

Luck Element: The movement of goods towards Shanghai introduces an element of luck.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, which may limit larger group play.

Personal Thoughts on Yangtze

Yangtze is an excellent choice for those who enjoy economic and trading games with a simple yet engaging mechanism. It is suitable for families and casual gamers who want to dive into strategic gameplay without overwhelming complexity. However, it may not be the best fit for large groups or those seeking games with minimal luck involved. Overall, Yangtze offers a fun and challenging experience that tests players’ timing and strategic skills.

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