High Society
- Designer Reiner Knizia
- Publisher Ravensburger AG , Across the Board , Allplay , AMIGO , Eagle-Gryphon Games
- Illustration Marie Bergeron , Mateusz Bielski , Medusa Dollmaker , Wesly Gibs , Dahee Lee , Alvin Madden
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In High Society, players bid against each other to acquire wealth cards with positive values and multipliers while avoiding negative cards and divisors. Managing your remaining money is crucial because the player with the least cash at the end is excluded from winning, regardless of points. The game lasts about 30 minutes, encouraging quick and tactical decisions.
Who Is This Game For?
This is a medium-weight game for players aged 10 and up who enjoy fast-paced, interactive auction games. It's ideal for those familiar with hand management and bidding mechanics, offering a quick but strategic experience that fits well into short gaming sessions.
How It Works
Players take turns bidding on cards using auction mechanics such as 'Auction / Bidding' and 'Auction: Turn Order Until Pass'. 'Constrained Bidding' limits bids based on available money, requiring smart resource management. Hand management is key, as players must carefully decide when and how much to bid while preserving cash for later rounds.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Reiner Knizia, High Society received the 1995 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up and was a nominee for the Meeples Choice Award. Part of Gryphon Games' Bookshelf series, it stands out for blending auction mechanics with tight money management and features an Art Nouveau art style enhancing its elegant theme.
Awards
- 1995 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
- 1995 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Short playtime of about 30 minutes
- Intense auction and money management
- Simple rules with strategic depth
- Award-winning design by Reiner Knizia
Contra
- Playable only with 3 to 5 players
- No solo mode available
- Limited thematic depth
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game thematically centers on wealth and social status, represented through elegant Art Nouveau artwork. It presents a stylized high society world without deep narrative or historical context.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Pay close attention to your money and plan your bids carefully to avoid running out of cash prematurely.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, High Society is designed for 3 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts about 30 minutes, making it suitable for quick play sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is suitable for medium-experience players who enjoy auctions and hand management but has simple rules accessible to beginners.
How does this compare to similar games?
High Society uniquely combines auctions with a money management twist where leftover cash determines eligibility to win.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitable for families with children aged 10 and up who appreciate medium-weight games with short playtimes.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of 'Auction: Turn Order Until Pass' and 'Constrained Bidding' makes the bidding process engaging and strategic.
Fazit
High Society offers a concise and tactical auction experience, recommended for players who enjoy strategic bidding and resource management in short games.
