Yunnan (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Yunnan is a board game that was released in 2013 and designed by David Schneider and Dennis Lohausen. The game is set in ancient Yunnan, a province in southwestern China known for its rich history and diverse culture. Players take on the roles of merchants seeking to trade tea along the Tea-Horse Road, a historical trade route that connected Yunnan to Tibet and other regions.

Game Components of Yunnan

Game board featuring regions of Yunnan

Player tokens and horses

Tea tiles and tea crates

Auction cards

Market boards

Scorepad

How To Setup Yunnan

To set up Yunnan, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area, which represents the Yunnan region. Each player selects a token and places it on the starting location on the board. The tea tiles and crates are distributed according to the setup rules, and each player receives a set of auction cards. The market boards are placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to begin once all components are correctly positioned.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Auction Mechanic: Players participate in auctions to acquire tea tiles, horses, and other resources.

Area Control: Players travel to different regions to harvest tea and manage their tea crates.

Resource Management: Managing horses, auction cards, and tea tiles is crucial.

Route Building: Players create routes to transport tea back to the market in Pu’er.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the most successful tea trader by harvesting and selling tea in the market, accumulating the most points through strategic auctions, efficient resource management, and effective route building.

Player Experience

Playing Yunnan involves a high level of strategic thinking and tactical decision-making. Players must balance their resources carefully, bid wisely in auctions, and plan their routes meticulously to ensure they can transport their tea to the market efficiently. The game has no luck element, making it purely a test of skill and strategy.

Pros

High Replayability: The auction mechanic and varied player strategies ensure each game is different.

Deep Strategy: Players must think several steps ahead to succeed.

Engaging Theme: The game’s theme of tea trading in Yunnan is unique and intriguing.

No Luck: Purely based on skill, making it appealing to strategic players.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex mechanics.

Long Playtime: Games can be lengthy, requiring several hours to complete.

High Interaction: The auction mechanic can lead to significant player interaction, which may not appeal to all.

Personal Thoughts on Yunnan

**Yunnan** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy deep strategic games with complex mechanics. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that require careful planning and execution, with no element of luck to interfere. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, light-hearted game experience.

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.