04.15.08Bohnanza Is A Great Game
One of my favorite parts of this past weekend was playing the game Bohnanza. It’s a card game that is all about economics and trading.
The idea is pretty simple: you have two fields in which to plant beans. Collecting more of the same kind of bean results in a higher payout eventually. Thus, it behooves you to trade with other players in order to stay invested.
There is a constant influx of cards, each of which represents one of many variety of beans. You can trade beans with other players in pretty much any manner you like, so long as it involves only two players.
The circle of friends I play with have a nice house rule that extends an idea in the game of trading: you can trade for “futures,” e.g. you give me what you have now, I’ll pay you back as soon as I get it. This rule makes the game a bit more trade-friendly and leads to faster trades.
The game’s art is also quite fun: each bean variety has its own personality, from the vomiting Green Bean to the hipster Soy Bean. Each card is beautifully colored and enjoyable to look at.
I’m quite interested in trying out a sequel to this game called Napoleon Bohnaparte in which you can take over an opponent’s field … you can expect a follow-up if/when I try that out.
Bohnanza is easy to learn, fast-paced, and (perhaps best of all) not too long to play. I give it ★★★★.
