Ponzi Scheme
- Designer Jesse Li
- Publisher Homosapiens Lab , 2Tomatoes Games , Bright Eye Games , Sugorokuya , Tasty Minstrel Games
- Illustration Chih-Fan Chen , Ossi Hiekkala
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Ponzi Scheme, you play as a scammer convincing investors with promises of high returns. You collect fund cards and industry tiles, trade with other players, and pay dividends each round. The goal is to avoid bankruptcy while building the largest shell corporation. The game ends when a player goes bankrupt; the richest player wins.
Who Is This Game For?
Ponzi Scheme is designed for experienced players aged 12 and up who enjoy economic and tactical games. It is a medium-weight game lasting about 90 minutes, requiring strategic thinking and negotiation skills. It does not include a solo mode, making it less suitable for beginners.
How It Works
Each turn, players draw a fund card with an industry tile and cash, then must pay promised dividends over several rounds. Players can perform inside trades, exchanging industry tiles at favorable prices. A time wheel tracks progression. The game ends when a player cannot pay and goes bankrupt; the player with the most valuable corporation wins.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jesse Li, Ponzi Scheme was nominated for the Meeples Choice Award in 2015 and the Cardboard Republic Daredevil Laurel in 2016. Its focus on financial scams using Loans, Set Collection, and Trading mechanics sets it apart from typical economic games.
Awards
- 2016 Cardboard Republic Daredevil Laurel — Nominated
- 2015 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Realistic economic theme based on financial scams
- Strategic depth through Loans, Set Collection, and Trading
- High player interaction via negotiation and inside trades
- Nominated for 2015 Meeples Choice Award and 2016 Cardboard Republic
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Complex rules for beginners
- 90-minute playtime requires patience
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is based on historical financial scams, especially Charles Ponzi's 1919 scheme. Players trade fictional industries while attempting to defraud investors.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on learning the core mechanics and improve your negotiation skills before diving into complex strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Ponzi Scheme requires at least 3 players and does not support solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes, though this can vary with experience.
What prior experience do I need?
This is a medium-weight game suited for players familiar with economic and tactical games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Ponzi Scheme stands out by focusing on financial scams with Loans, Set Collection, and Trading mechanics, unlike traditional economic games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 12, it is more suitable for experienced players than young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its combination of Loans, Set Collection, and Trading creates a unique bluffing and negotiation experience.
Fazit
Ponzi Scheme is recommended for players seeking economic tactics and player interaction. The lack of solo mode and moderate complexity make it less ideal for families or casual gamers.
