The Game of 49

Published: 2014 by Breaking Games

Designer: Mark Corsey

Artist: N/A

How it's Played

The game of 49 is a betting game. Players start out with $49 each and take turns flipping cards that indicate what space on the board will be auctioned off next. The first player to get 4 in a row wins the game.
On your turn the active player will take a card from the deck and reveal it, most cards will show a number corresponding to a numbered space on the board, some cards have a range of numbers on them that when won will allow the player to claim a spot within that range, other cards show the number 49 which will crop up multiple times in the game and is the only place that can change ownership. If a player already controls the 49 space and they win the bid again they may place a chip on any location on the board they choose.
Each time these special cards are revealed and the bidding is done, players will be given a payout from the bank of $7 per claimed space on the board.
If at any point a player achieves the goal of 4 spaces in a row the game immediately ends and that player is declared the winner.

Final Thoughts:

The Game of 49 is a great example of how not to judge a book by it's cover. At first I was put off by the paper money, the basic tiddly wink chips, and the over all lack of theme in the game.
With all that said The Game of 49 is an excellent abstract bidding game. Trying to strategically win spots on the board to set up multiple avenues to victory, bidding up your opponents to get them to waist their money, all add layers to a game that on the outside looks like a beefed up version of Bingo.
This game has an excellent level of player interaction and push your luck. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, the component quality can definitely be a turn off for some, however after playing The Game of 49 it proves to be a strength, keeping the cost low makes this game an even bigger value. Highly recommended as a family game, excellent for a winding down social gathering or if your just in need of something that plays quick but packs in a lot of fun. The Game of 49 deserves to be in any collection.