# Show Manager

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1996
- **BGG Rating**: 7.0
- **BGG Rank**: #2493
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 2.09 / 5
- **Designers**: Dirk Henn
- **Artists**: Jo Hartwig, Oliver Schlemmer, Reinhard Horst
- **Publishers**: Queen Games, db-Spiele
- **Categories**: Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Auction: Dutch, Open Drafting, Set Collection

## Verdict
Show Manager is a playful card game where players assemble theatrical productions, mixing strategy and luck.Engaging Dutch auction mechanicOpen drafting keeps tension highSet collection rewards strategic playClassic, fun themesRequires careful role trackingGame time can be longHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Show Manager is a card game that puts you in the role of a theater director, tasked with putting together four distinct shows – Queenie, Wolf, King Lear, and Ballet – using actor cards with varied abilities. The game starts with a dynamic row of cards that refreshes each turn; players engage in a Dutch auction to acquire the card they want, placing bids in ascending order until only one player accepts the current price. Once a card is secured, the player adds it to their repertoire, trying to complete all the roles required for a show. When a full set of roles is assembled, the value of that production is compared against other players who have also finished the same show, and points are awarded based on the relative quality of the performances. In addition to the auction, the game features open drafting – where players pick cards from the row in sequence – and set collection mechanics, rewarding those who gather complete sets of cards. The final outcome hinges on strategy, timing, and a touch of luck, as the card row shifts constantly and bids can be unpredictable. Show Manager offers a light, enjoyable experience ideal for fans of card games with classic themes and mechanics that demand attention to detail. With 2 to 6 players and about 60 minutes of play, it blends the excitement of an auction with the satisfaction of staging a successful show, making each game unique and full of surprises.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
2 to 6 players. The game comfortably accommodates up to six, but works great with fewer.

### What is the approximate playtime?
Around 60 minutes, varying slightly with player count and decision speed.

### What is the complexity level?
Medium. Dutch auction and set collection demand focus, but the flow stays approachable.

### What are the main components?
A deck of actor cards, scoring tokens, and a concise rulebook.

### Who is this recommended for?
Fans of card games, auctions, and classic theatre themes. Also suits those who enjoy light strategy.

### How does the Dutch auction work?
Players bid in ascending order. The first to accept the current price takes the card and the auction ends.

### What shows are available?
Four productions: Queenie, Wolf, King Lear, and Ballet. Each requires different roles to complete.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 38.54 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=1665344&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 41.72 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=151752&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 41.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5044771&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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