John Company: Mastering the Game of Corporate Fun – Winning Strategies, Rules & How-to-Play Guide
Introduction
John Company is a fascinating board game that simulates the operations and challenges of the East India Company during the 18th and 19th centuries. The game is named after the colloquial term for the East India Company, which was often referred to as “John Company” by its employees. The game was designed by Cole Wehrle and published by Sierra Madre Games. It requires a combination of strategic planning, negotiation, and risk management to succeed.
The game is played with a board, cards, and tokens representing various resources and positions within the company. The objective of the game is to amass the most prestige points by the end of the game. These points can be earned through successful trade ventures, holding high-ranking positions within the company, and other strategic actions.
Rules for playing John Company
The official rules of John Company are designed to simulate the complex operations of a multinational corporation in the 18th and 19th centuries. The game is played in rounds, with each round representing a period of time in the company’s history. Each player takes on the role of a family that has a stake in the company, and they can hold positions within the company, invest in trade ventures, and influence the company’s policies.
While the official rules provide a comprehensive framework for the game, players are encouraged to develop their own ‘house rules’ to add variety and personalization to the game. For example, some players might choose to modify the rules for trade ventures, or introduce new positions within the company.
How do you play John Company
- Setup: At the beginning of the game, each player chooses a family and receives a set of tokens representing their family members. The board is set up with cards representing the different positions within the company, and tokens representing the company’s resources.
- Gameplay: During each round, players can take actions such as appointing family members to positions within the company, investing in trade ventures, and influencing the company’s policies. The outcomes of these actions are determined by a combination of strategic decision-making and chance.
- End of the Game: The game ends when a certain number of rounds have been played, or when certain conditions are met (such as the company going bankrupt). The player with the most prestige points at the end of the game is the winner.
How to Win at John Company
Winning at John Company requires a combination of strategic planning, negotiation, and risk management. Here are some strategies that can help you win the game:
- Plan Ahead: John Company is a game of long-term strategy. It’s important to plan your actions several rounds in advance, and to consider the potential consequences of your decisions.
- Negotiate: Negotiation is a key aspect of John Company. You can negotiate with other players to form alliances, trade resources, and influence the company’s policies.
- Manage Risk: John Company involves a significant amount of risk. It’s important to manage this risk by diversifying your investments, maintaining a strong position within the company, and being prepared for unexpected events.
Best Strategies for playing John Company game
While there are many strategies that can lead to success in John Company, here are some of the most effective:
- Control Key Positions: Controlling key positions within the company can give you a significant advantage. These positions can provide you with valuable resources, influence over the company’s policies, and prestige points.
- Invest Wisely: Investing in trade ventures can be a lucrative way to earn prestige points. However, these ventures also carry a significant amount of risk. It’s important to invest wisely, and to consider the potential return on investment.
- Form Alliances: Forming alliances with other players can be a powerful strategy. These alliances can provide you with additional resources, support in negotiations, and protection against hostile actions.
Scenarios for John Company
John Company is a game of dynamic and unpredictable scenarios. Here are some common scenarios that players might encounter, and how they can turn these scenarios to their advantage:
- Company Bankruptcy: If the company goes bankrupt, all players lose their investments and positions within the company. However, this can also be an opportunity to buy up the company’s assets at a discount, or to take control of the company.
- Trade War: A trade war can disrupt the company’s operations and reduce the value of trade ventures. However, it can also create opportunities for players who have diversified their investments or who have influence over the company’s policies.
- Political Intrigue: Political intrigue can lead to changes in the company’s policies, the removal of players from positions within the company, and other unpredictable events. However, players who are skilled at negotiation and strategic planning can use these events to their advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions about playing John Company game
Q: How long does a game of John Company typically last? A: A game of John Company typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the game.
Q: Can I play John Company with just two players? A: Yes, John Company can be played with two players, although the game is generally more dynamic and interesting with more players.
Q: What is the age recommendation for John Company? A: John Company is recommended for players aged 14 and up, due to its complex rules and strategic depth.
Q: Where can I buy John Company? A: John Company can be purchased online through the official Sierra Madre Games website, or at specialty board game stores.
Q: Can I play John Company online? A: Yes, there are online platforms that support John Company, allowing you to play with friends remotely.
External Links
For more information about John Company, visit the official Sierra Madre Games website: Sierra Madre Games
Eve Brownlee was a gamer before gaming communities on the internet were a thing. Eve grew up playing traditional, standard deck card games like Rummy and Bezique, taking an interest in the classics Backgammon and Chess. Parlor card games like Bridge continue to keep Eve active in the community. After a long career, primarily in horticulture for USDA in Maryland, Eve now travels and writes on The Pineapple (pineapples.info) and contributes to Quora/Pinterest topics. Contact Eve via email.
