# TurfMaster

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1998
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: #3032
- **Players**: 2-8 (Best with: 8)
- **Duration**: 75 min
- **Weight**: 1.94 / 5
- **Designers**: Albrecht Nolte
- **Artists**: Peter Röseler, Stefan Niehues
- **Publishers**: AZA Spiele
- **Categories**: Animals, Racing, Sports
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Roll / Spin and Move

## Verdict
Turfmaster is a fun and tactical horse race that blends dice rolling with hand management, perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of betting and family strategy.Exciting and tactical racingCard and dice mechanicsTrack and hurdle optionsCan have high luck factorInteraction can be highHandicap rules can be complexRECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready for the thrill of the track with Turfmaster, a horse racing game that will have up to eight friends cheering! Each game simulates a "meet" with three electrifying races. The board is versatile, allowing you to choose between flat racing or the challenges of steeplechases, where horses must jump fences. Each player controls their own horse and has a unique deck of 32 movement cards. For each race, ten cards are randomly drawn, with two kept in reserve for that crucial moment. Cards used in a race are permanently discarded, so every play counts! 

The round is divided into two phases: first, everyone simultaneously chooses a card and moves their horses according to the card's value, following positional order. Then, a pair of dice is rolled (the rolling duty rotates among players), and all horses advance the value of one or both dice, again in positional order. Keep an eye on the inside position; it's crucial! Turfmaster includes rules for lane changes, blocking, and even handicaps for the leaders, limiting the cards the frontrunners can play or how much they can move on a dice roll. To counter this, there are "joker" cards to save you from handicaps. If you opt for steeplechases, prepare for extra jumping rules, where horses can be forced to pull up short or even fall if their movement ends on a fence. Plan your moves wisely to prevent others from gaining an advantage and to ensure your champion crosses the finish line first! The top four finishers in each race earn valuable points towards their final score. The game offers versions with plastic or hand-painted metal horses, and additional tracks can be purchased separately.

## FAQ
### How many players can participate in Turfmaster?
Turfmaster can be played by 2 to 8 players.

### What is the average playtime for Turfmaster?
A game of Turfmaster typically lasts around 75 minutes.

### Is the game too complex for beginners?
The complexity is moderate (BGG Weight 1.94/5). The basic rules are easy to grasp, but handicap tactics and card management add depth.

### What are the main components of the game?
The game includes a board, movement cards for each player, dice, and horse markers.

### Are there any special versions of the game?
Yes, there is a "DeLuxe" version with hand-painted metal horses, and additional tracks can be purchased separately.

### Is this game more about luck or strategy?
It's a good balance between luck (dice rolling) and strategy (hand management, positioning, and using special abilities).

## Price Comparison
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