Bounders and Cads (2013)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Bounders and Cads: A Hilariously Cutthroat Game of Business and Betrayal

Bounders and Cads is a turn-based strategy game for 2-4 players, ages 10 and up. Players take on the roles of unscrupulous individuals vying for the inheritance of the recently deceased Aunt Edna. To claim the fortune, players must engage in a variety of nefarious activities, including buying up businesses, sabotaging opponents, and deploying tricky strategies.

The game is played on a board representing the town of Boundersville. Players start the game with a small amount of money and a deck of cards. Each card represents a different action that can be taken during the game, such as buying a business, sabotaging an opponent’s business, or stealing money.

On their turn, a player draws a card and then takes one action. Actions can be used to acquire new businesses, upgrade existing businesses, sabotage opponents’ businesses, or steal money. Players can also use their cards to bribe the local constable, who can be used to arrest opponents or protect their own businesses.

The goal of the game is to be the player with the most money at the end of the game. Players can earn money by owning businesses, collecting rent from opponents, and winning lawsuits. The game ends when one player has acquired a majority of the businesses in Boundersville, or when all of the money has been distributed.

Bounders and Cads is a fun and challenging game that is perfect for a group of friends or family members who enjoy a good laugh. The game is easy to learn, but difficult to master. There is a lot of strategy involved in deciding which businesses to buy, which opponents to sabotage, and how to use your cards most effectively.

Components

  • Game board
  • 110 cards
  • 4 player pawns
  • Money
  • Constable pawn
  • Dice

Setup

  1. Place the game board in the center of the table.
  2. Shuffle the deck of cards and place it face down next to the game board.
  3. Each player chooses a player pawn and places it on the start space on the game board.
  4. Each player is given $10,000.

Gameplay

  1. On your turn, draw a card from the deck and then take one action.
  2. Actions can be used to acquire new businesses, upgrade existing businesses, sabotage opponents’ businesses, or steal money.
  3. Players can also use their cards to bribe the local constable, who can be used to arrest opponents or protect their own businesses.
  4. The goal of the game is to be the player with the most money at the end of the game.

Businesses

There are 20 different businesses in Boundersville. Each business has a different cost and a different income. Players can buy businesses by paying the cost of the business to the bank. Players can also upgrade businesses by paying the cost of the upgrade to the bank. Upgrading a business increases its income.

Sabotage

Players can sabotage opponents’ businesses by playing sabotage cards. Sabotage cards can be used to damage a business, close a business, or steal money from a business.

Lawsuits

Players can sue opponents for damages. Lawsuits can be filed for a variety of reasons, such as sabotage, theft, or slander. If a player wins a lawsuit, they are awarded damages from the losing player.

The Constable

The constable is a powerful figure in Boundersville. Players can bribe the constable to arrest opponents or protect their own businesses. The constable can also be used to collect debts or evict tenants.

Winning the Game

The game ends when one player has acquired a majority of the businesses in Boundersville, or when all of the money has been distributed. The player with the most money at the end of the game wins.

Review

Bounders and Cads is a fun and challenging game that is perfect for a group of friends or family members who enjoy a good laugh. The game is easy to learn, but difficult to master. There is a lot of strategy involved in deciding which businesses to buy, which opponents to sabotage, and how to use your cards most effectively.

I highly recommend Bounders and Cads to anyone who enjoys strategy games or games with a sense of humor.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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