TC & Mario’s Efficient Reviews: Bohnanza
(Note: the goal of this review is not to go into the details; rather, it is to give an overall impression. See other reviews for info on components and rules.)

Mario: Bohnanza is a light game that can fit well into any group’s game collection. It fits into the category of games that can be played with both gamers and non-gamers. The game is very scalable (plays well with 3 or more players), and provides for a rather friendly atmosphere. Importantly, the game is fun.

TC: Bohnanza has a lame name (should be Bean-anza for America!) but is a sweet, light, and strategic game. It's not a game to base an entire night around, but it's definitely non-gamer friendly and it rocks. What I loved from the start was the fact that you were throwing cards around like crazy. I was starting to dread another damn card game where you play one card (maybe two) and then draw one more every turn. In this game, you're drawing like six cards to play every turn and by the time it's your turn again, those cards could be anywhere! Tons of cards equals amazing!

Mario: The game is all about deal-making, which usually leads to enjoyable interaction. It has a particularly interesting trading mechanic that sometimes provides an incentive to give free cards to your opponents. On the whole, the game is relatively balanced and players do not feel left behind during the game (even if losing).

TC: Trade-making keeps everyone involved even when six or seven players are waiting for their turn. It’s not chaotic, since everyone has their own specific goals, and there are never migraine-inducing decisions to be made. The game is best with a larger group screaming and plotting and ruining each other's carefully tended bean dreams, but it scales down nicely to 3 or 4.

Mario: On the negative side, there is sometimes little control over the game (luck in the card draw). Also, general strategy does not run very deep (like your mom).

TC: Alright, so it's not perfect. The game moves fast, but sometimes by the end, a few strokes of bad luck can make even the most competitive gamer's chance of winning disappear completely. It’s not so bad though, and you can even count cards a bit to prevent utter screwage, but it makes me crave something a little meatier.

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Mario’s Verdict: Bohnanza is a game worthy of purchase, especially since it is inexpensive and versatile.

TC’s Verdict: One of my favorite card games and not simply mindless filler. Well worth the small price, just don’t expect a scholar’s lesson in agricultural maintenance.

Its good for: non-gamers (or mixed gamer/non-gamer), filler game in longer session, light and fun game.

(Note: Mario rated this game a 7, and is usually in the mood to play Bohnanza. TC has rated this game a 9 and thinks that may be a little high now, but is almost always in the mood to play Bohnanza)