Saboteur*

Saboteur is a card game that combines elements of strategy, bluffing, and hidden roles, set in a mining theme where players are either helping or hindering the search for gold.

Gameplay Overview

• Roles: Players are secretly assigned roles as either miners or saboteurs.
• Objective: Miners aim to build a path to the gold, while saboteurs try to thwart their efforts.
• Setup: The Start Card and Goal Cards are placed on the table, with the location of the gold unknown.
• Player Actions: On their turn, players can either place a Path Card, play an Action Card, or pass.
• Path Cards: Used to build paths towards the Goal Cards. They must align with already placed cards and cannot be placed sideways.
• Action Cards: Used to help or hinder other players and to gain information about the Goal Cards.
• Winning a Round: A round ends either when miners successfully reach the gold or fail to do so, with the latter scenario resulting in a win for the saboteurs.
• Scoring: Winners of a round receive gold pieces. After three rounds, the player with the most gold wins.
• Bluffing and Deduction: Players must deduce the roles of others while concealing their own, making strategic decisions to advance their goals.

Conclusion

Saboteur offers an engaging mix of strategy, social deduction, and team play. It's well-suited for players who enjoy games with bluffing and hidden identity mechanics. The game's simplicity makes it accessible, while the hidden role aspect provides depth and replayability. Saboteur is ideal for groups looking for a light, interactive game with a moderate level of strategic thinking and a fun, thematic setting.