The Rich and the Good: Hab & Gut
Designer⚙️: Carlo A. Rossi
Artists🎨: Michael Menzel, Christof Tisch
[ @ares.games ] 2-5 players
At one of my first game nights as a new board gamer I remember how distinctly different each game was that we played. From Richard Garfield's Robo Rally, to Reiner Knizia's Winner's Circle. There was a lot of fun to be had. The second game night I went to was more of a dinner and a board game evening. After dinner and some lovely conversation, the host pulled out an original copy of Hab & Gut. The German printing.
I was, to say the least, not entirely excited for it. It looked kind of bland, it had what seemed to be not the most exciting theme. I however was not going to announce this and as I was still new to the hobby and eager to try anything different I went with it. We then proceeded to play it 5 times!
This is a superb game that I feel everyone should try. There are two rounds in the whole game and that's it. The stock market is manipulated and you sell stuff BUT ALSO must donate to charity because who ever donated the least at the end is not allowed to even score their points. So you can't be too greedy, but you also can't give TOO MUCH to charity or you won't have the most money to win.
On top of this you can only see part of the info in the stock market. You see the two stands in front of you and make those decisions based on that. You can only see the info on the stands to your right and left. And THAT is what makes the game so intriguing. The tense nature of not knowing it all.
It may not sound like much, but PLAYING it does much more justice than reading about it. It is a joy to play, simple to teach (only a page of rules) and just so wonderful. I'm so happy Ares Games reprinted this absolute gem. 💵
