12 Thieves
- Designer Thorsten Gimmler
- Publisher Queen Games , Devil Dice Games , Piatnik
- Illustration Patricia Limberger , Michael Menzel
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In 12 Thieves, you lead a group of thieves in Baghdad, trying to outsmart guards and opponents to collect treasures. You play your cards cleverly and place your thieves and guards strategically across the palace. The goal is to be the first to gather four treasure pieces by skillfully managing your hand and area control.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 2 to 4 players aged 8 and up, 12 Thieves is a family-level game with about 45 minutes of playtime. It requires no deep prior experience but rewards tactical thinking and adaptability. Perfect for casual gamers and families looking for a light strategic game.
How It Works
Players move their thieves and guards on the board (Area Movement) and use cards from their hand (Hand Management) to perform actions. This involves bribing guards or sneaking thieves into key locations. The interplay of these mechanics demands careful planning and reacting to opponents' moves to be the first to collect four treasures.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Thorsten Gimmler, 12 Thieves was nominated for the 2007 Spiel des Jahres. Its unique blend of area movement and hand management set in an Arabian heist theme makes it stand out among family games.
Awards
2007
Pro
- Combination of Area Movement and Hand Management
- Short playtime around 45 minutes
- Spiel des Jahres 2007 nominee
- Thematically rich Arabian setting
Contra
- Only for 2 to 4 players
- Limited complexity for experienced gamers
- Family-level game, not for experts
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in historic Baghdad, where players take on the roles of thieves attempting to steal treasures from city palaces. The Arabian theme shapes the atmosphere and gameplay.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on using your cards efficiently and keep track of other players’ positions to respond effectively.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, 12 Thieves is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Games typically last about 45 minutes, suitable for a casual game session.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is family-friendly and requires no special prior knowledge, though tactical thinking helps.
How does this compare to similar games?
12 Thieves combines area movement and hand management within a unique Arabian heist theme, differentiating it from other thief games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for players aged 8 and up with accessible mechanics for family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of area movement and hand management shapes the tactical gameplay.
Fazit
12 Thieves is a solid choice for families and casual gamers who enjoy tactical but not overly complex games. Its 2007 Spiel des Jahres nomination highlights its quality as a quick strategic experience with an Arabian flair.
