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The Gallerist
You run an art gallery, and every move you make pushes three other dominoes.
Designed by Vital Lacerda · 2015
One of the most thematically tight heavy Euros out there, but it asks for your full brain and a clear evening. If you love that kind of puzzle, it's close to a perfect one.
Best for: Experienced Euro players who want a tight, theme-rich brain burner
What it is
You play a gallery owner trying to get rich and famous off other people's art. You discover artists, promote them so their work jumps in value, then sell to collectors at the right moment. The board has four spots: the artists' colony, the sales office, the media center, and the international market. It's worker placement, but every action you take ripples into the others, and that chain is the whole appeal.
The catch
Here's the part players keep raving about. When someone bumps your assistant off a space, you don't just lose it. You get a kicked-out action, a free bonus on your way out. So the board stays alive, and getting shoved can be a gift. The influence track pulls double duty too, tracking your reputation and floating you a loan when cash runs dry. Nothing here is bolted on. The art world theme and the math genuinely agree with each other.
Who it's for
Now the honest part. This is heavy. The teach runs about half an hour, setup takes a while, and a new player at the table with veterans can get steamrolled. Reviewers flag analysis paralysis and turn drag at four, and most agree it sings best at two or three. It's also pricey. But the production is world-class and it plays a little differently every time, which is why people forgive the weight.
What other players say
This write-up is grounded in real reviews and player discussion, not just one opinion. A few worth reading:
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