Mille Bornes game review

During my childhood we used to go out to the cabin my grandparents owned. Sometimes it would rain and we would be stuck inside. This was the 80's without cable, wifi or cell phones our choices for diversions were limited, so of course my family turned to games for entertainment. One of the games that stayed out at the cabin was Mille Bornes. I'm a little sad thinking of it now as the old edition went missing when the cabin was sold.

Mille Bornes is a card game with a french racing theme. In France there are distance marker stones for the next town. Each game consists of several races of 1000 miles or kilometers whichever you prefer. I go with kilometers because it makes sense to me. After each race the points are calculated and the deck shuffled. If the draw deck is exhausted and players have played or discarded their entire hand without reaching 1000 km that round ends, points are scored and a new round begins. The discard deck is only ever shuffled at the end of a round. The game ends when a player reaches 5000 points.

Each player has a 6 card hand, on their turn they draw a card then play a card or discard a card. Players cannot start moving until they play a green light card (called roll). Once players achieve a green light they may play various speed cards in an attempt to go the 1000 km.

If a player cannot play a card due to not rolling and not being able to play a hazard card on an opponent then the player must discard a card.

However once a player has started rolling opponents can play various hazard cards to prevent them from moving. These cards include accident, flat tire, out of gas or stop. A corresponding remedy card must be played in order to fix the problem followed by a roll card in order to get moving again. Stop light cards only need the roll card. There is another hazard called speed limit which can be played even if a player isn't moving. This card makes it so players can only play speed cards of 50 or lower. An "end of limit" card removes this hazard.

An interesting addition to the deck are safety cards. Driving ace, puncture proof, extra tank, and right of way. Each of these cards prevent hazards from being played on the owner of the card. For example the "Right of Way" prevents Stop or Speed Limit cards from effecting the player. These safety cards can be played immediately after an opponent plays the corresponding hazard card. This is called "Coup Fourré" and is worth extra points. It also immediately remedies the problem and the player doesn't need to play a roll card. However if a safety is obtained and played as a corrective action (not a "Coup Fourré") a roll card will be needed to resume moving.

Scoring works at the end of a round, every player scores distance travelled-1 point/km, each safety-100points, "Coup Fourré"-300 points (in addition to the safety points) and if all four safeties are played-700 additional points. The player who reaches 1000 km first scores additional points: winner- 400 points, delayed action (winning after draw pile used up)- 300 points, safe trip (no 200 speed cards played)- 300 points, shout out (opponent hasn't played speed cards) -500 points.

Milles Bornes is really a strategy card game based on Rummy. The game has a significant strategy factor. Knowing which cards to play and when is vitally important. Keep track of opponents plays and discards. If a player starts discarding certain remedy cards they likely have the corresponding safety card in hand. By not playing the hazard you prevent them from scoring "Coup Fourré" points. Try to keep one of each remedy. Discard duplicates to make opponents think you have the safety.

This is a game where card counting is a very valuable skill. the most important cards to keep track of are 3 each of the hazards- accident, out of gas, and flat tire. Keep in mind there are 6 each for their remedies and one each of the safeties. Once all three of a hazard are used play the safety for the guaranteed points and discard the extra remedies. Until hazards are played keep your safeties for the "Coup Fourré" especially the right of way as it has a high probability of happening with 5 of the stop cards, 4 speed limit cards and 6 end of limit cards. If it looks like an opponent is getting close to the 1000 km mark start laying down your safeties for the guaranteed points. You may actually score higher than the leader due to these cards.

Another vital card statistic is there are only 14 of the roll cards. Since each player needs one to start and again to resume going after a hazard, of which there are 14, it means there are not enough roll cards to go around. NEVER discard a roll card. Any other player who discards the roll cards is either an idiot or holds the right of way card.

For the remainder of the cards, 10 each of the 25, 50 and 75 speeds, 12 of the 100 speed and 4 of the 200 speed. Out of all of the speed cards the 75 is the least valuable. It is over the 50 speed limit and you don't move as fast as the 100. Always discard the 75 speed card first. Keep track of the 200 speeds played or discarded. Depending on how many are accounted for alters their value. Perhaps you can rocket into the finish position or perhaps they will give you much needed distance points if you are lagging behind and have no hopes of winning the round.

The big downside to the game is you will spend a lot of time just trying to get your car going. It is completely possible to not get a go card and spend a round in frustration. This will be an issue for first time players or those who have a low patience threshold.

To sum up I like Mille Bornes because it has an interesting theme. While it can be enjoyed as a casual game there is a deep strategy element and it was a game that taught me the value of keeping track of the entire game. Knowing not only what was happening with the cards but who was the one doing it. This makes the game enjoyable for a casual gamer and an intensely deep and nerdy gamer like myself. This is a great competitive game for families and friends to play. If you want to view the entire rules check out the hasbro site.