The best games where players can only raise their bids under certain rules 2024

Looking for a really good game where players can only raise their bids under certain rules? Then we have just the thing for you: The list with the best "conditional bidding" games 2024.

What are conditional bidding games?

Games in this list have a meta-mechanism that can modify other auction techniques. Players are not allowed to bid on any number they want. They may only bid based on increments and/or combinations of certain resources.

Constrained Bidding is sometimes also called "conditional bidding".

Examples of games where players can only raise their bids under certain rules

Examples of this game mechanic are Reiner Knizias Ra, in which players are forced to choose one of three bidding tiles for their bid, and High Society, in which players must raise their bids by adding money cards from their hand and are not allowed to make any changes.

List of best "conditional bidding" games 2024

This list was last updated on November 6, 2024. We compared 45 board games for this list and selected the top 22. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. High Society

    All details for the board game High Society and similar games

    High Society is a competitive auction-style card game designed by Reiner Knizia, where players vie to acquire wealth and status while avoiding financial pitfalls. The game focuses on strategic bidding and careful money management.

    More details for High Society
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  2. Nidavellir

    All details for the board game Nidavellir and similar games

    Nidavellir is a strategic bidding and set collection game set in a mythical dwarf kingdom. Players take on the roles of Elvalands, noble leaders tasked with assembling a powerful army to defend the kingdom against the dragon Fafnir.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 1.

    More details for Nidavellir
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Nidavellir

    • YouTube Review for the game "Nidavellir" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  3. Ra

    All details for the board game Ra and similar games

    Ra is an engaging board game that combines elements of auction and set-collection within an Ancient Egyptian theme. Players are immersed in a competition of power and fame across 1500 years of Egyptian history, condensed into an intense gaming experience.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Ra
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  4. Stockpile

    All details for the board game Stockpile and similar games

    Stockpile is an engaging economic board game that simulates the thrills and strategies of the stock market. Combining classic principles of buying low and selling high with unique game mechanics, it offers a fast-paced and interactive experience where players aim to outsmart the market and each other to amass wealth.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Stockpile
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  5. Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala

    All details for the board game Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala and similar games

    Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala is a strategy board game set in the mystical land of Naqala. Designed by Bruno Cathala, it puts a unique spin on the traditional German-style worker placement games.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 5.

    More details for Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 80 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala

    • YouTube Review for the game "Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  6. Furnace

    All details for the board game Furnace and similar games

    Furnace is a strategic engine-building Eurogame set in the 19th century. Players act as capitalists aiming to develop their industrial corporations and maximize profits through effective resource management and company acquisitions.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Furnace
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. Pan Am

    All details for the board game Pan Am and similar games

    Pan Am is an engaging board game that immerses players in the era of pioneering air travel, where they compete to build and expand their own airline empires. The game cleverly integrates strategy, bidding, and economic elements, allowing players to navigate through the historical landscape of the aviation industry.

    🔥 Deal: 17% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Pan Am
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  8. Art Society

    All details for the board game Art Society and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. Condottiere

    All details for the board game Condottiere and similar games

    Condottiere is a strategic game set in 13th century Italy, a period marked by flourishing trade and frequent conflicts among city-states. The game revolves around the theme of mercenary leaders, known as Condottieri, who were hired to fight for different city-states.

    More details for Condottiere
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 20 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  10. Keyflower

    All details for the board game Keyflower and similar games

    Keyflower is a strategic board game designed for 2-6 players that spans over four rounds, each representing a different season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The game combines elements of auction, tile placement, and resource management set in a medieval world. Players start with a "home" tile and a team of workers, using them to bid for new tiles, gather resources, and build their village.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 3.

    More details for Keyflower
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  11. Byzanz

    All details for the board game Byzanz and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Byzanz
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  12. Senators

    All details for the board game Senators and similar games
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  13. Amun-Re

    All details for the board game Amun-Re and similar games

    Amun-Re sets players in the heart of ancient Egypt, where as leaders of royal families, they strive to build the grandest pyramids along the Nile. This game is a journey through the rich tapestry of Egyptian culture, blending strategic building with reverence to the gods.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    More details for Amun-Re
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  14. Empire's End

    All details for the board game Empire's End and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  15. Serengeti

    All details for the board game Serengeti and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 25 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  16. Homesteaders

    All details for the board game Homesteaders and similar games

    Homesteaders is a unique board game that offers a fresh and engaging experience for players. With its distinctive gameplay and innovative mechanics, it stands out in the world of board games.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Homesteaders
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  17. Cellar des Triplettes

    All details for the board game Cellar des Triplettes and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Cellar des Triplettes
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  18. Alchemists

    All details for the board game Alchemists and similar games

    In the enchanting world of Alchemists, two to four aspiring alchemists engage in a spirited competition to unearth the secrets of their mystical art. Points, the coveted currency of success, can be acquired through various means, but the pinnacle lies in the publication of accurate theories—a challenge that adds a layer of complexity to the pursuit.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Alchemists
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Alchemists

    • YouTube Review for the game "Alchemists" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  19. Amun-Re: The Card Game

    All details for the board game Amun-Re: The Card Game and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  20. Key to the City: London

    All details for the board game Key to the City: London and similar games
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Key to the City: London

    • YouTube Review for the game "Key to the City: London" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  21. Yunnan

    All details for the board game Yunnan and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  22. Bremerhaven

    All details for the board game Bremerhaven and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

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