Jamaica
- Designer Malcolm Braff , Bruno Cathala , Sébastien Pauchon
- Publisher GameWorks SàRL , Space Cowboys , ADC Blackfire Entertainment , Asterion Press , Belleville (Бельвіль)
- Illustration Mathieu Leyssenne
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players control pirate ships racing around Jamaica in 1675, balancing forward movement with collecting gold through detours for treasure or stealing from others. Each round, players simultaneously select cards to determine their actions, while the captain rolls dice to assign day and night turns. The game ends when a ship completes the circuit, and the winner is the player with the most gold.
Who Is This Game For?
Jamaica is aimed at families and casual gamers aged 8 and up. With a 60-minute playtime, it suits quick game nights. It is a gateway-level game with tactical decisions and simultaneous action selection, requiring some experience with similar race or hand management games but no deep expertise.
How It Works
Each round, a player acts as captain, rolling two dice to designate day and night actions. All players simultaneously pick a card from their hand, which dictates movement and special actions like treasure hunting or stealing. Players manage their hand and ship cargo to maximize gold. The race ends once a ship completes a lap, and the player with the highest gold total wins.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Malcolm Braff, Bruno Cathala, and Sébastien Pauchon, Jamaica won the 2008 Essener Feder award for best rules and received a Spiel des Jahres recommendation the same year. It blends dice rolling, hand management, and simultaneous action selection in a pirate-themed colonial Caribbean setting.
Awards
2008
2008
- 2008 Essener Feder Best Written Rules — Winner
Pro
- Combines racing and hand management mechanics
- Simultaneous action selection adds tension
- Won 2008 Essener Feder for best rules
- Spiel des Jahres recommended 2008
Contra
- About 60 minutes may be short for experts
- No solo mode available
- Simpler rules might not satisfy hardcore strategists
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in 1675 on the Caribbean island of Jamaica during colonial times, players take on pirate captains racing around the island to collect gold. The theme evokes piracy and colonial history in the Caribbean Sea.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on efficient use of your hand cards and balancing racing with treasure hunting.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Jamaica supports 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts around 60 minutes, suitable for a quick gaming session.
What prior experience do I need?
It's a gateway-level game with tactical elements; some experience with race or hand management games helps but isn't required.
How does this compare to similar games?
Jamaica uniquely combines racing with simultaneous action selection and hidden scoring in a pirate theme.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, recommended for ages 8+, it fits families looking for tactical yet accessible gameplay.
What mechanic makes it special?
Dice rolling combined with hand management and simultaneous action selection define its gameplay.
Fazit
Jamaica is a solid choice for families and casual players seeking a tactical racing game with player interaction. Its mix of movement, hand management, and treasure hunting offers varied gameplay. Experts may find it a bit short.
