Bootleggers

Eagle-Gryphon Games, Mayday Games · Board game · 2004
6.9 Ludopedia 6.7 BGG 3–6 · best 6 90 min Weight 2.6/5
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6.9 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy games with a mafia theme, heavy negotiation, and a touch of backstabbing, Bootleggers is your jam! It's a tense scramble for illegal booze money.

Highlights
  • Immersive and fun theme
  • Lots of player interaction
  • Surprising action selection
  • Negotiation is key
Keep in mind
  • Backstabbing can happen
  • Government can interfere
  • Requires active negotiation
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Welcome to the Prohibition era, pal! In Bootleggers, you step into the shoes of a crime boss trying to profit from the alcohol ban of the 1920s. While the government tries to cut off supply, the public's thirst remains, and that's where you come in with your schemes for producing and distributing illegal booze.

The game is a fierce competition for control of the black market. You'll need to be a smooth talker to form alliances (which might not last long!) and negotiate with other players. Simultaneous action selection ensures nobody knows what the other is plotting until the crucial moment, adding a layer of suspense and surprise each round. Keep an eye on area control, because dominating the cities is essential for your empire to flourish.

Get ready to bribe local law enforcement (they accept!), build your own speakeasies, and organize the transport of "hooch" around. But beware, the feds might be watching! Bootleggers blends economics, negotiation, and a touch of mafia in a way that immerses you in the era. It's a game where betrayal and cleverness go hand-in-hand, and the last one standing is the one who profited the most. A tense experience full of twists and turns, perfect for those who enjoy a heavy theme and lots of interaction.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–6 players
3 OK
4 REC
5 REC
6 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

History: Prohibition in the USA Theme: Mystery / Crime Theme: Trucks
Publisher Eagle-Gryphon Games, Mayday Games
Designer Don Beyer, Ray Eifler, Steve Gross
Artist Paul Niemeyer, Pennie Barbel

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

4,392owners
512wishlist
87want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many people can play Bootleggers?
Bootleggers supports 3 to 6 players.
How long does a game take?
A game of Bootleggers typically lasts around 90 minutes.
What is the game's complexity?
With a medium weight (2.61/5 on BGG), Bootleggers is accessible but requires strategy and attention to other players' actions.
Does the game require a lot of negotiation?
Yes, negotiation is a cornerstone of the game, essential for forming alliances and getting what you need.
Is this a game for players who enjoy direct conflict?
While there is competition and area control struggles, the conflict is more based on negotiation, influence, and cunning rather than direct combat.
Is the mafia and crime theme well represented?
Absolutely! The game captures the Prohibition atmosphere well, with corruption, bootlegging, and speakeasies.

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