Ca$h and Gun$ board game review

A while ago the wife and I went in to the board game store on a mission. We cased the joint, trying to loot the perfect board game for a decent sized group of people, something easy to pick up and get some adrenaline rushing. That’s when a feisty redhead pointed us to Ca$h and Gun$. Everything she said sold us on the fact that this was the take. We grabbed the game, hit the cash register (to pay) then sped off in our getaway car to game night.

The theme of Ca$h and Gun$ is that you are a group of gangsters after the big heist. You are back at the warehouse getting ready to divvy up the loot when the double cross happens. No honour among thieves!

The game plays out in eight rounds. The loot is laid out on the table for all to see. As the players all stare each other down they secretly select either a click or a bang from their hand of cards, then the Godfather counts down 3…2…1… and everyone aims their guns at another player. Now players must decide whether to risk being shot (or is it just a click?) and go for the wealth they deserve, or lay down their gun and give up their share of the loot. The Godfather then counts down again 3…2…1 Bonzai!!! Those that lay their guns down are out of the round, those that are in reveal their cards. Anyone who gets shot is wounded and is knocked out of the loot sharing for the round. 3 wounds eliminate a player.

In the loot selection players choose from the pile going clockwise from the Godfather. They can select from various values of cash, diamonds (whoever has the biggest collection gets the $60000 diamond) artwork which goes up in value as your collection grows, cards that reload bangs, or cards that heal you, or the Godfather Token.

The Godfather role has two distinct advantages, they get first pick in the loot phase and after players have aimed their guns they can tell one player to aim their gun elsewhere (the player gets to choose where to aim.) These advantages can help but can also make you a target.

There are optional rules for role cards but I really don’t recommend playing with them. These rules actually make the game needlessly complicated and can take away from the fast paced-sleek action. (also bringing down the fun)

This game is amazing for so many reasons. The rules are very easy to pick up and set up is quick. This is a fantastic game to bring out for new gamers. The fast pace keeps all players in the game keeping everyone interested and invested. But the biggest draw is the fact that you point silly foam guns at your friends. The mechanic of play is so thematic and goofy fun that it’s easy to get immersed into the atmosphere of the Ca$h and Gun$.

The main draw back of the game is the player elimination aspect. Thankfully since Ca$h and Gun$ plays so quickly this usually doesn’t last long. Also the fact that the player could have chosen to lay down their gun at any time but opted for the risk also makes it the players own fault. It’s all part of taking risks.

I’d recommend getting this game for introducing new players into the hobby of board gaming. It’s simply mechanic and fast pace keep players invested. The theme and mechanics work so well together in a way that anyone who has ever seen a heist movie can relate to.

This is one game you won’t need to keep people at gunpoint to play.