# The Big Score

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2018
- **BGG Rating**: 6.9
- **BGG Rank**: #6904
- **Players**: 1-6 (Best with: 5, 6)
- **Duration**: 30-60 min
- **Weight**: 2.10 / 5
- **Designers**: A. J. Porfirio, Chase Williams, Jason Mowery
- **Artists**: Ryan James, RyanJamesArt
- **Publishers**: Van Ryder Games
- **Categories**: Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Open Drafting, Push Your Luck, Set Collection

## Verdict
The Big Score is a thematic rollercoaster that starts with strategic planning and ends in a frantic clash of luck and greed. It's perfect for groups who enjoy direct interaction and that heist-movie vibe where no one is truly trustworthy. The transition between the two game phases keeps the energy high until the very last second.Very fun specialist draftingDistinct phases with varied mechanicsWell-implemented heist themeQuick and dynamic sessionsThe ending can be frustrating if you're unluckyInteraction might be too aggressive for someRECOMMENDED

## Description
Ever thought about being the mastermind behind the biggest heist in Centennial City Bank history? In The Big Score, you take on the role of a crime boss who realizes that the job is just too big for one crew alone. The solution? Join forces with your biggest rivals in a temporary alliance, but keep an eye on your back—honor among thieves is a pretty relative concept here!

The game is split into two phases that shift the mood at the table. First, there's the preparation phase, where card drafting is king. You need to carefully pick your specialists and secretly assign them to various small heists throughout the city. It's an exercise in hand management and timing: you need to ensure your best expert is in the right place at the right time to maximize loot. Set collection is vital here, as each type of loot—cash, diamonds, artifacts, or digital data—requires a different strategy to turn into points.

Once the crew is ready and the small jobs are done, things heat up. The second part is the mother of all heists: the big score. This is where the game turns into a tense and exciting "push your luck" finale. Will you risk it all for that extra diamond, or play it safe to avoid getting busted by the cops? The game shines by balancing that initial forced cooperation with fierce competition at the end, where everyone wants to walk away with the biggest share of the loot. With quick sessions of up to an hour and mechanics that scale well from 1 to 6 players, it's a fantastic choice for those who love games that mix strategy with the thrill of risking everything at the last second. And if you prefer solo play, the mode designed by A.J. Porfirio is a solid challenge that keeps the tension high. Assemble your crew, plan every move, and see if you have what it takes to be the city's most notorious crime boss!

## FAQ
### Does the game work well with 6 players?
Yes, it scales really well! Since the drafting is simultaneous, the downtime between turns doesn't increase significantly, keeping the pace fast.

### Do I need a lot of experience to play?
Not at all! With a weight of 2.1, it's quite accessible. The rules are intuitive and the flow is easy to pick up after your first game.

### Is the solo mode any good?
It's excellent. It was designed by A.J. Porfirio, the creator of Hostage Negotiator, so you can expect a well-thought-out challenge that stays true to the theme.

### How long does a session last?
Between 30 and 60 minutes, making it perfect as an entry-level game or a more substantial filler before heavier titles.

### Is the game cooperative or competitive?
It's competitive, but with a 'forced cooperation' twist. You need to work together in certain parts, but in the end, everyone is out for their own share of the loot.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 50.21 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6078129&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/24720/the-big-score?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com