Bauernschlau
- Designer Tom Schoeps
- Publisher Dal Negro , F.X. Schmid
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Bauernschlau, players build their own sheep farms by placing fences that define farm boundaries. Players secretly deploy sheep tiles with different point values and use memory and bluffing to control valuable spaces. The sheepdog can be used to move hidden sheep, revealing and freezing them. The game ends when a farm is complete and scored to determine the winner.
Who Is This Game For?
Bauernschlau targets families and casual gamers aged 8 and up. With a playing time of about 45 minutes, it suits game nights with kids or friends. The rules are accessible but require attention to memory and tactics. It is not an expert game but offers depth through secret unit deployment and bluffing.
How It Works
The core mechanic is Secret Unit Deployment, where players place sheep tiles face-down on the board. Players reveal and move sheep using the sheepdog to secure points. Fence placement defines farm boundaries and limits playing areas. The goal is to complete a closed farm with the highest points, considering multipliers on certain hexes.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Tom Schoeps, Bauernschlau was awarded 2nd place in the 1991 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game and recommended for Spiel des Jahres the same year. It combines bluff, memory, and area control, and is part of the 'Animals: Sheep' family, standing out with its secret deployment mechanic.
Awards
1991
- 1991 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game 2nd Place — Nominated
Pro
- Combines memory and bluff
- Core mechanic: Secret Unit Deployment
- Family-friendly with short playtime
- Awarded Deutscher Spiele Preis 1991
Contra
- No solo mode
- Requires concentration on hidden information
- Limited complexity for experts
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game centers on building sheep farms on a hexagonal board. Players take on the role of farmers enclosing their farms with fences and placing sheep with varying values.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on remembering placed sheep and use the sheepdog strategically to reveal tiles.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Bauernschlau is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Games last about 45 minutes, suitable for family or casual game nights.
What prior experience do I need?
It is a family game for ages 8 and up, requiring no special prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Bauernschlau uniquely combines Secret Unit Deployment with memory and bluff within the 'Animals: Sheep' family.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is family-friendly with moderate complexity for ages 8 and older.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Secret Unit Deployment mechanic provides tactical depth through hidden sheep placement.
Fazit
Bauernschlau offers a well-balanced blend of tactics and memory for families and casual players. Those who enjoy hidden information and player interaction will find a short, replayable game.
