Acquire is a classic strategy board game centered around the buying, selling, and merging of hotel chains. The goal is to accumulate the most wealth by investing in and controlling hotel chains as they expand and merge. Here’s a detailed overview of the setup, rules, and FAQ for Acquire.
Game Concept: Acquire
Objective:
The goal of Acquire is to build and control the most valuable hotel chains and accumulate the highest amount of money. Players achieve this by buying stocks in various hotel chains, merging chains, and strategically positioning themselves to profit from these mergers.
Components
Game Board:
- A grid representing different locations where hotel chains can be established and expanded.
Hotel Tiles:
- Tiles representing different hotel chains that players can buy and expand.
Stock Certificates:
- Cards representing shares in different hotel chains. Stocks are bought and sold throughout the game.
Money:
- Currency used for transactions, buying stocks, and paying for various actions in the game.
Player Markers:
- Tokens or markers used to represent player ownership of hotel chains and stocks.
Bank:
- The central area where money, stock certificates, and other resources are managed.
Setup
Prepare the Board:
- Place the game board in the center of the table. Ensure all spaces are visible and accessible to all players.
Distribute Money:
- Each player starts with a set amount of money. The amount can vary based on the number of players or specific game rules.
Shuffle Hotel Tiles:
- Shuffle the hotel tiles and place them face down in a stack. This stack will be used to draw tiles throughout the game.
Distribute Stock Certificates:
- Shuffle the stock certificates for each hotel chain and place them in their respective piles near the board.
Determine Starting Player:
- Decide who will go first. This can be done randomly or by any agreed-upon method.
Gameplay Overview
Acquire is played in a series of turns. On a player’s turn, they perform the following actions:
Draw and Place a Hotel Tile:
- Draw a hotel tile from the stack and place it on the board. This tile will either start a new hotel chain or expand an existing one.
Buy Stock:
- After placing the tile, the player may choose to buy stock in one or more hotel chains. The player pays the bank for the stock certificates they wish to purchase.
Sell Stock:
- The player may also sell stock certificates from their hand to the bank. This allows them to liquidate their holdings and free up cash.
Merge Chains:
- If the placement of the hotel tile causes two or more chains to merge, the player must resolve the merger according to the game rules. Mergers affect stock values and payouts.
Collect Dividends:
- Players collect dividends from hotel chains they have stocks in. The amount depends on the number of stocks held and the size of the hotel chain.
End Turn:
- The player’s turn ends, and the next player takes their turn. The game continues until a predefined condition is met (e.g., the stock market is closed, or a certain number of chains are merged).
Hotel Chains and Mergers
Starting a Hotel Chain:
- When a hotel tile is placed that does not connect to any existing chain, a new chain is started. The player who placed the tile can buy the initial stocks for this new chain.
Expanding a Hotel Chain:
- When a tile is placed that extends an existing chain, the chain grows, and the player can buy more stocks in that chain if desired.
Merging Chains:
- If a tile causes two or more chains to merge, the player must follow the merger rules. The merging chains consolidate, and players receive payouts based on their stock holdings. The merged chain becomes the dominant chain.
Stock Values:
- Stock values change based on the size and success of the hotel chains. As chains expand or merge, stock values fluctuate, affecting players’ wealth.
Winning the Game
The game ends when a predefined condition is met, such as:
- A certain number of mergers have occurred.
- A specific number of hotel chains are in play.
- The stock market closes after a set number of turns.
Players tally their money and stock values to determine the winner. The player with the highest total wealth is declared the winner.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I determine the value of stocks during a merger?
- The value of stocks during a merger is determined by the size and success of the merged chains. Players receive payouts based on their stock holdings and the final value of the dominant chain.
Can I buy stocks in any hotel chain?
- Yes, players can buy stocks in any hotel chain that is available. The availability and price of stocks depend on the current state of the game and the chains in play.
What happens if I can’t afford to buy stocks or pay for a merger?
- If you cannot afford to buy stocks or pay for a merger, you may need to sell stocks or liquidate assets to raise the necessary funds. Players must manage their resources carefully to avoid financial difficulties.
How do I handle ties during stock payouts?
- In case of ties during stock payouts, the payout is typically divided equally among the players with the tied stocks. Follow the specific rules for handling ties as outlined in the game instructions.
Can I trade stocks with other players?
- Acquire generally does not include direct trading of stocks between players. All stock transactions occur through the bank. Check the specific rules for any variations that might allow trading.
What happens if all the hotel tiles are used?
- If all hotel tiles are used, the game continues until all possible mergers and stock transactions are completed. The game ends based on the predefined conditions or the number of turns.
Are there any special rules for the final round?
- Final round rules may vary based on the game’s version or house rules. Typically, players may have one last opportunity to buy or sell stocks before the final tally.
Can the board configuration affect gameplay?
- Yes, the board configuration and placement of hotel tiles significantly impact the game. Strategic placement can influence chain expansions, mergers, and stock values.
Acquire is a strategic and engaging game that requires careful planning and smart financial decisions. By managing your investments and making strategic moves, you can build the most successful hotel chains and emerge victorious. Enjoy the challenge and strategic depth of Acquire!