#89: Coal Baron (Mark's 100 - 2014)

Coal Baron

Mark's Ranking

• 2014: 89th
• 2012: prior to publication
• 2010: prior to publication
• 2005: prior to publication

BoardGameGeek

• rank: 407
• rating: 7.37

Print Status

• in print

Why It's On The List

• a smooth-as-silk worker placement game that doesn't have the typical "I took the one spot you need & you're hosed" problem that sours me on most worker placement games... the theme is odd (coal mining in Essen) but works like a charm with the mechanics to make for a great playing experience with 2, 3, or 4 players

Tips & Tricks:

• This is both an "avoidance" game - where you want to take the path of least resistance and avoid running into the plans of other players - and a "edge" game - where you want to edge out the other players by using the fewest number of workers to get a valuable space.
• Because you can always use a space by paying one more worker than the number of workers that are currently residing there, you are never boxed out. It may be too expensive, though.

Extras

• I was one of a number of Opinionated Gamers commenting on the OG review of Coal Baron.