Basari

Try your hand at gem trading in the fast-paced, competitive game of Basari. Do you have what it takes to compete in the lively Indian bazaar, bustling with busy people, exotic foods and gemstone merchants eager to sell their prized possessions to ready customers? Top-notch negotiation skills will be needed as you barter to acquire the most favorable gemstones, sale positions, and game points that can bring you the victory at the game's end.

In Basari, each player is a gem merchant, attempting to acquire gems at the most favorable rates while moving as quickly as possible around the city's archways. In each turn, players simultaneously roll dice to move around the board, then choose between three potential actions: receiving gems from the central supply, gaining victory points, or rolling a second time to gain an advantage in the race around the city. A player's optimal action depends on those selected by the other players, because if two players select the same action, the two must negotiate with gems to buy the right to act from the other. This means only one person gets to take the action, while the other takes his opponent's gems. For example, if I select the action "Collect Points," and my friend does as well, I might offer her two blue gems in exchange for the right to collect the amount of points shown on the board in my current location. If my friend accepts this, she receives my gems, but only I get to collect the points that will bring me closer to victory. These bartering sessions represent the core gameplay mechanic, and a player must carefully calculate which offers are reasonable and profitable in the long run. During the three scoring rounds, players who have accumulated the most gems in each color (red, orange, green and blue) receive victory point bonuses. When the third scoring round has been completed, the game ends, and the person with the most victory points wins. It is all very intriguing and fun, involving accurate prediction and social savvy.

Basari is a great filler game because it takes less than half an hour to play and is relatively simple. The simultaneous selection of actions gives it an energetic feel, since most games are structured around players taking their turns individually. Unfortunately, due to the interpersonal aspect of predicting the opponents' moves, Basari requires at least three players for a game.

My husband first discovered Basari when he was sixteen years old. He liked it so much that he tried to build his own set using a deck of cards, a handful of coins, and a game board made on the backs of old envelopes. Although he convinced his siblings to play it with him a few times, the set was too unintuitive and confusing to really enjoy. We were both very delighted to find it available on Craigslist this year for a mere $8, and I must admit, it was definitely worth it. The gems included with the game are colorful and appealing, and there's something inherently gratifying about bartering to amass a hoard of shiny objects. Many of my friends who do not normally enjoy games seem drawn to Basari, likely because of this.

I've really enjoyed playing Basari, and have met many who share my opinion and have requested to play it. For its length, mild strategy and engaging nature, I heartily recommend Basari as a fun group game appealing to a wide variety of people. Happy gem trading!

**For more reviews on games I like, check out my blog, "Advantage Games." The link is listed under my Amazon profile page.

One of the best features of this game is that players all take their turn at the same time so there is little downtime. Each player is holding three cards with his choice of moves. The players make their choices and flip the cards at the same time. Anyone who chose the same as another player must then barter for the rights to that move.

Not much set up time and a fairly quick game. One tip, the board is a square, but it's easier to play if you turn the points to the players instead of the sides as in most games. Also, some players will be nutty about having the gems flat side down so they don't wobble, please humor them.

This is a great game with new ideas. I'll admit I had to re-read the directions to get the idea right. We learned why to make certain choices while we played the game. There are three different ways to get to move your scoring marker. There are "gems" to trade and barter with each other. There is even a "rock, paper, scissors" style card play involved. I have never played a game like this one and I've played HUNDREDS of games and collect games. I wouldn't say it's for young children unless they are very good with logic. It would be great for ages 12 and up, especially good for thinking adults. It's a bit of stragegy with a bit of luck. The more you play, the more strategy you figure out. We played with three adults and had to immediately play it for a second time. If it wasn't already late, we'd have played a third round, too. I can't wait to get to play it again.