Chicago

Flying Turtle Games, Otto Maier Verlag, Playmix · Board game · 1986
2–4 · best 3, 4 90–120 min Weight 2.1/5
7.8 rating Ludopedia
5.5 rating BGG
Buy
7.8 rating Ludopedia
5.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Great for fans of mafia themes, territorial control, and deep strategy.

Highlights
  • Intense territorial control
  • Strong influence dynamics
  • Engaging thematic components
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime
  • Requires planning
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About the game
Chicago is a strategy game set in 1930, when the city of Chicago was a battleground for mafia families. Each player controls one of four families — Colombo, Bonanno, Gambino, or Genovese — and attempts to dominate the streets, bars, and casinos of the city. The board represents four districts, each containing a casino and 22 bars of varying value, totaling 72,000 per district. Players use “thugs” to control districts and gain influence. The game unfolds in up to four phases (a‑d), each composed of six turns. At the end of each phase, participants receive money based on the value of the bars and casinos they control, plus the value of the gangs they possess. The ultimate goal is to capture three of four casinos, all eight bars in the city center, or five gangs with four rings each. If no one achieves a goal by the 24th turn, the winner is whoever has the most money. Chicago blends territorial control, resource management, and influence mechanics, demanding careful planning and strategic decision‑making. Components include a detailed board, money tokens, bar and casino tiles, and gang pieces, creating a visually rich and thematically immersive experience. The “Influence / Area Majority” mechanic creates constant battles over street control, while the “Area Movement” allows players to plan routes and expand their presence. With a playtime of 90 to 120 minutes and 2 to 4 players, Chicago offers a deep, immersive experience for fans of crime‑themed strategy and territorial control games.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 BEST
4 BEST
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Game details

Categories

Families

Cities: Chicago (Illinois, USA) Country: USA History: Prohibition in the USA
Publisher Flying Turtle Games, Otto Maier Verlag, Playmix
Designer H. Jean Vanaise
Artist A. Lefort, J. C. Sohier
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Chicago?
The game supports 2 to 4 players, making it ideal for family or friends’ sessions.
What is the approximate game duration?
Each game typically lasts between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on the final phase and players’ strategies.
What are the main components of the game?
Detailed board, money tokens, bar, casino, and gang pieces, along with influence tokens and control markers.
Is Chicago suitable for beginners?
While the game involves territorial control and influence concepts, it is recommended for players with some strategy game experience.
What is the complexity level?
Medium to high, as it requires planning of moves, resource management, and attention to influence rules.
How does the influence mechanic work?
Players compete to have the majority of pieces in board areas; the dominant player gains benefits and income.
What is the final objective of the game?
Conquer three of the four casinos, all eight center bars, or five gangs with four rings each; if no one wins, the richest player wins.