The Estatesis a fast-paced and intense auction-style board game that immerses players in the cutthroat world of real estate investment. Designed by the renowned game designer Rüdiger Dorn, this game is all about bidding, timing, and strategic decision-making as players compete to build the most profitable real estate empire. The game’s main objective is simple: acquire valuable properties and build them up, all while managing the risk of running into financial ruin.
In The Estates, players are given the chance to buy and sell properties through a series of auctions. Each player can bid on construction projects, aiming to either build up valuable properties or sabotage their opponents. The twist in this game is that players must also deal with unpredictable market conditions, such as fluctuating prices and other players' strategic moves, which can either help or hinder their investments. The challenge lies in making the best bids at the right time while balancing the risks involved in each deal.
One of the most exciting elements of The Estates is the bidding process. Unlike most auction games where players simply raise bids, The Estates introduces a layer of tension and strategy by allowing players to push the price up while simultaneously attempting to get others to overpay for less valuable properties. This creates a tense environment where each decision could lead to a major shift in the balance of power on the board. As the game progresses, players must constantly evaluate the value of their properties and the overall state of the market.
The game also includes a unique “turnover” mechanic, where players are forced to make critical decisions in the face of changing economic conditions. As construction projects progress, players must decide when to sell their properties for profit or hold them in the hope of a higher return later. Timing is everything in The Estates, and those who can manage their assets and outsmart their opponents will come out on top.
