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Merchants of Amsterdam (2001) also known as: Die Kaufleute von Amsterdam
| Manufacturer: | Rio Grande, Jumbo International |
| Designer: | Reiner Knizia |
| Ages: | 10+ |
| Players: | 3 to 5 |
| Time to Play: | 90 Minutes |
| Game Type: | Board |
| Categories: | Strategy, Bidding / Auction |
| MSRP: |
| Condition: | New |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Rio Grande |
| Availability: | In Stock; just 2 left. |
| Our Price: | $ 25.75 |
| You Save: | $ 19.20 (43%) |
| Condition: | Ding/Dent |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Rio Grande |
| Availability: | In Stock; the last one! |
| Our Price: | $ 24.46 |
| You Save: | $ 20.49 (46%) |
Components
- 1 game board
- 1 auction clock
- 120 game tiles (in 5 colors, 24 per player)
- 84 cards
- 3 discs (mayor, auction clock, bucket with cards)
- large pawn (used as a time marker)
- money (20x10,000;20x20,000;15x50,000;30x100,000;12x500,000
- florins)
- 5 credit markers
- 1 rules booklet
Manufacturer's Description
In the year 1600, Amsterdam was a city of 50,000 and a bright future. Trade flourished and many new buildings graced the harbor. Enterprising Dutch merchants traveled to the Americas, Africa, and the Orient in search of the new commodities valued at home.
This period of history is the basis for this game. the players take the roles of the powerful Merchant families of that time. The players invest in the commodity market, build warehouses in Amsterdam, and open trade offices in the colonies as they compete to become the most successful merchant in Amsterdam and win the game.
Central to the game is the auction clock, which simulates a traditional Dutch auction, where the price starts high and drops until someone bids. The players are bidding for the opportunity to invest in the commodity market, build warehouses in Amsterdam and open trade offices in the colonies. As the clock winds down from 200...190...180... the players wait for the right price, hoping they can bid before another beats them to the clock. Of course, the players want the cheapest price, but the first to bid wins the opportunity with no second chances for thos who delayed too long. So, as the price drops: 150...140...130...the tension increases as the players try to be the first,but at a low price. Finally, a player stops the clock:120! He pays for the opportunity to increase his holding and possible earnings. He hopes he did not pay too much, while the others wish they had bid just a bit sooner.
Time Well Spent's thoughts
From Dave: I really enjoy the auction clock as the tool for bidding in this game. You never really know if you have overbid or not!
Awards
Deutscher SpielePreis, 10th Place - 2000
Gamers' Choice Awards, Best Strategy Game Nominee - 2001
Games Magazine GAMES 100, Family Strategy Honoree - 2002
Other Information on Merchants of Amsterdam
Boardgame Geek - Reviews, information and user comments
