The Speicherstadt*

The Speicherstadt is an auction card game set in the historic warehouse district of Hamburg around 1900, where players take on the roles of wholesalers trying to acquire goods and fulfill contracts for victory points. The game, designed by Stefan Feld, is known for its unique bidding mechanic and strategic depth.

Gameplay Overview

  • Objective: Players aim to earn the most victory points by fulfilling contracts with resources and benefiting from special cards.
  • Bidding Mechanism: Players bid for cards by placing meeples over them, with each meeple increasing the cost for the players below.
  • Strategic Bidding: Players must strategically decide when to bid and when to drive up costs for others, as each player has only three bids per round.
  • Firemen Cards: A unique aspect of the game is the need to collect firemen cards to avoid negative points, adding a layer of risk management.

Special Features

  • Innovative Auction System: The bidding process with meeple towers offers a fresh and engaging auction dynamic.
  • Seasonal Deck: The game deck is divided into four seasons, with more powerful cards appearing in later seasons, requiring forward planning.
  • Resource Management: Balancing resource acquisition and contract fulfillment is key to success.
  • Stefan Feld's Design: Known for his punishing mechanics, Feld's design adds a challenging twist with the firemen cards.

Conclusion

The Speicherstadt is an excellent game for players who enjoy strategic auction and resource management games. Its unique bidding system and the balancing act between acquiring goods, fulfilling contracts, and managing fire protection make for a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. The historical setting of Hamburg's warehouse district adds thematic depth, making The Speicherstadt a standout choice for those looking for a game that combines strategic depth with innovative mechanics.

Nominated for 2 awards.

  • 2 - 5 Players
  • 45 Minutes
  • 8+ years old
  • Easy to learn

We like The Speicherstadt so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024

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