Economic games are about generating income in some way and trying to be the player with the best finances at the end of the game. Economic games usually include some form of market system, which could be straight-up stock trading but could also include trading between players or buying and selling from a central market. Economic games encourage players to manage a system of production, distribution, trade, and/or consumption of goods. The games usually simulate a market in some way.
For Sale is a quick, fun game about buying and selling real estate. During the game's two distinct phases, players first bid for several buildings then, after all buildings have been bought, sell the buildings for the greatest profit possible.
In each round of this first phase, one card per player will be revealed and placed in the center of the table. Players will then have an auction to determine which card will be collected by each player. Players start by placing a bid in coins on the table where others may either raise or pass. Players take properties with lower values depending on how they bid and the winner will take the highest valued property. When all properties have been sold the phase ends. In the second phase, players will try to sell their gained property for money. Like the previous round, one card per player is placed in the center of the table. In this case, instead of using coins, each player now selects one of their property cards and places it facedown in front of them. When all have chosen, they are simultaneously revealed and the highest numbered property card takes the highest valued money card and this continues in order until the lowest property card takes the lowest valued card. Continue this until all the properties have been sold. The player with the highest total wins the game.
For Sale is quick, but yet always filled with tense decision and an occasional brutal resolution in the second phase. In the first phase, you try to get the best cards you can while trying to save your money. With the “must raise” auction, it feels like there is a bit more luck in the bidding phase – sometimes it works out based on where you sit in turn order. In the second half, the game is as much about what cards you have as it is about reading your opponents. Trying to foresee what cards people will play can help you maybe sneak a high money card for a measly small property. It’s like poker in the sense that there’s playing the value of your cards and the player across from you. Great economic and tactical game!
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