Unpub Preview: The Game of 49
BludleAs we move towards upcoming Unpub events we’re going to preview some of the games which will be exhibited.
Mark Corsey is a new designer to the Unpub Network attending his first event this Sunday (March 17) from 12pm to 7pm at Myriad Games in Manchester, New Hampshire with his prototype "The Game of 49." Mark claims this game is a "filler" game that involves an auction aspect and an attempt to get 4 in a row.
The description he provides for the game goes something like this: Starting with $49 apiece, players compete to occupy 4 spaces in a row on the 7-by-7 (49-square) game board. Randomly drawn number cards are auctioned one at a time, with the highest bidder placing a chip on the corresponding numbered board space. Wild/Payoff cards give players a choice of where to place their chip, and also award cash to all players for their chips currently on the board—the more chips, the bigger the payoff. Outbid and outmaneuver opponents—without overspending—to win.
Sounds interesting. It reminds me of something I think you'd find on The Price is Right!
Let's here more about the development of The Game of 49 from Mark himself...
What is your favorite part of The Game of 49? Constant, direct interaction among players, through the combination of auctions and vying for board position
What has been the most challenging part of designing The Game of 49? Keeping the game simple while, at the same time, making it engaging and challenging .
What Advice would you give players attempting The Game of 49 for the first time? Bid early, bid often! It's better to occupy SOME space on the board now than to wait for the PERFECT space later.
What has surprised you most in playtests of The Game of 49? How often players count their money—and then recount and recount again—wishing they had one more dollar.
What do you hope to accomplish at the Myriad Manchester Unpub Mini on Sunday March 17? Determine what level of gamers "49" appeals to, and whether the game has repeat play value.
Tell us anything else you want to say about The Game of 49 that we haven't asked or you haven't said already? A couple of rules variations also are available for testing, and offer somewhat more strategic gameplay.
Good luck Mark! I know players who "SPEND" time playing The Game of 49 at the Myriad Manchester Unpub Mini on Sunday March 17 from 12pm to 7pm will thing it's time well SPENT.
