High Society

High Society, designed by the legendary Reiner Knizia and published by Osprey Games, is a classic game of tactical bidding and ostentatious wealth. Set in the glamorous world of the elite, players compete to acquire the various trappings of a luxurious lifestyle, represented by positive-number and multiplier cards. However, the path to social dominance is fraught with pitfalls, including scandals and misfortunes represented by negative-number and divisor cards. The challenge lies in knowing exactly when to spend your fortune to secure a prized possession and when to fold your hand to avoid a costly social disaster.

The core of the game is a tense auction mechanic where players use their limited sets of currency cards to outbid their rivals. Because players cannot make change for their larger banknotes, every bid is a calculated risk that could leave you unable to participate in future auctions. While acquiring high-value assets is essential for victory, you must keep a constant eye on your remaining cash. The game features a notorious sting in its tail: at the end of the round, the player with the least amount of money remaining is immediately disqualified from victory, regardless of how many luxury points they have collected. Only those who balance extravagance with financial prudence can hope to win.

This edition from Osprey Games features stunning Art Deco illustrations that perfectly capture the opulence and decadence of the theme. The oversized cards and elegant graphic design make it as beautiful to look at as it is to play. Because the rules are simple and the games are fast-paced, High Society serves as an excellent filler game for seasoned hobbyists or a sophisticated introduction to auction mechanics for newer players. It provides a masterclass in risk management, requiring you to read your opponents’ intentions and manage your dwindling resources until the very last card is drawn from the deck.

• Tense Auction Mechanics: Compete in fast-paced bidding wars to secure the most prestigious items of the gilded age.
• Strategic Budget Management: Carefully decide which banknotes to spend, as you cannot get change once a bid is placed.
• Disqualification Twist: Avoid being the poorest player at the table, or your points will count for nothing at the end of the game.
• Stunning Art Deco Visuals: Features beautifully illustrated cards that evoke the glamour and sophistication of high-end luxury.
• Highly Portable and Quick: A perfect strategy game for travel or as a quick-fire opener for a board game night.