In the last week of November, some of you will be about to get paid and might be hoping to buy something for that special someone. Some of you have, dear readers, have said that you want something a little more meaty. A little more, well vicious to play. Right today we have something for your Xmas wishes. TAMMANY HALL!

TAMMANY HALL

Age 12+ / Players 3-5 / Time 40-80 minutes (depends on the number of players )

THE GAME

Players are vying to be mayor in the political firestorm of New York in the 1850s. You have to use wit, guile, corruption, duplicity and sheer venom to succeed. The key to this is the city’s growing immigrant populations. They can be worked on, influenced and played one against another.

So players start by selecting a colour, which has ward bosses in said colour and three slander tokens. Now I cant explain the complexities of the game play but can atest that the board brilliantly explains the rounds and election processes. What I will do is explain the ideas and mechanics behind this! The board has 3 wards (each is influenced by number of players as the fewer players, the fewer wards start us off). Then a random spread of inhabitants are distributed into these. They are Irish, English or German (the Italians come later). Then you have a selection of immigrants awaiting being settled in an off shore island (called Castle Garden…fancy). Players can either placed to ward bosses on their turn (an officer is worth a single vote) or they can place one officer and one immigrant from the island (they get to choice where and they get a favour token). After the first election everything changes but we wont go there.  These immigrants settle in New York, players collect political favours from those immigrant groups they help. Later, as mentioned they can use slander political opponents or use their special abilities. An election is held at the end of every fourth year, and the player who uses his power base best will be elected mayor. Its both simple and complex. Their are some very good play through vids to see. We might do one ourselves! Let us know!

THE REVIEW

Tammany Hall was the political machine that dominated New York City politics. It used and abused its immigrant populations. The key era of the game, focuses on Boss Tweed. An awful corrupt man, who ended up dying in jail. The game sets out to replicate this period and does a solid enough job but what makes it even better is that it plays the system at its own game. From its random draw function, to its broadly clever process of barter and polling. It really excels most with the ability to always have a dog in the fight. Usually in a game like this, if you are ahead in the polls at the start you will be at the end, but TAMMANY HALL is different. Mayoral candidates are forced to offer consolidation and concession rolls. This hinders a clear route to success and dampens the simple herculean success.

Now a note here. The game is very good. Its great for many seasoned players. It never sits well in a more easy going group. The reality is that many of you know TAMMANY HALL. It lives in infamy. Its always floating around the best of lists. This can make some cautious. I understand. My approach has always been that I might hate what every other loves. So I can only say this. Play it. Where ever and when ever you can. You will see the value in it quickly. Then buy it. You can thank us later ‘Boss’ Reader…