The Boss

Blackrock Games, ABBA Games, Blue Orange Games · Board game · 2010
2–6 · best 4 40 min Weight 1.8/5
7.6 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 18.34
7.6 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a card game with bluffing, deduction, and that tension of who will control the area, The Boss is a good pick! It's fast, straightforward, and has plenty of interaction.

Highlights
  • Intriguing bluffing game
  • Fast and straightforward
  • Good player interaction
  • Engaging mafia theme
Keep in mind
  • Can have high luck factor
  • Relies on player interaction
  • Limited strategic depth
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey there, game lovers! Ready to dive into the gritty world of the 1920s mafia and try your luck? In The Boss, each player leads their own gang, aiming to grab the biggest slice of the loot scattered across American cities. This game is all about intrigue and bluffing, where every card played offers more clues about where the cash (or trouble!) lies. With your hand of cards and nine goons at your disposal, you'll dispatch your 'pros' and 'wannabes' to seize control of territories.

The trick is that information is key. As cards are revealed, you get hints about which cities are 'hotter' and where it's worth deploying your men. The challenge lies in knowing when to bet big and when to play it safe, because whoever controls a city gets the prize, but failure might mean a hefty fine or worse. And if that city happens to be Chicago, get ready to share your earnings with the big boss himself, Al Capone! The game heats up as it progresses, with stakes getting higher and higher, especially in the Windy City.

Essentially, The Boss is a fast-paced card game packed with twists and turns, where deduction, bluffing, and a dash of backstabbing are crucial for coming out on top. With a simple score-tracking board, the fun comes from the player interaction and the tension of trying to guess your rivals' plans and deploy your men at the right moment. It's perfect for those who enjoy a fierce competition and aren't afraid of a clever move.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 OK
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Country: USA Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Boiteajeux Players: Games with expansions that change player count Series: Europe Collection (Blue Orange Games)
Publisher Blackrock Games, ABBA Games, Blue Orange Games, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Jolly Thinkers, Magellan, Mancalamaro, Playhouse Ltd, Raven Distribution
Designer Alain Ollier
Artist Tony Rochon

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

3,135owners
390wishlist
58want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for The Boss?
A game of The Boss typically lasts around 40 minutes, making it quite quick.
How many players can play?
The game supports 2 to 6 players, allowing for tense duels or more chaotic games.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
No, The Boss is considered a light game with easy-to-understand rules, making it quick to get started.
Does it require a lot of strategy?
It focuses more on deduction, bluffing, and reading opponents than deep strategic planning. It's more about timing and risky bets.
Is the mafia theme well represented?
Yes, the theme of mafia and the struggle for territory and money is well represented through the area control and bluffing mechanics.
Is there significant language dependency?
There is no language dependency on the cards or main game components.

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