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Shakespeare
Ystari Games · 2015
1–420–90 min13+ yrs3.0/5 complexity7.4 BGG#842 BGG5,9 KStrategy
⚡ short answer
How do you play Shakespeare?
The expansion introduces new objective cards that, unlike the base game's objectives, do not provide end-game victory points. Instead, when a player selects one of these new objective cards during the ambiance phase, they immediately trigger the action printed at the bottom of the card, such as gaining resources or moving up on tracks. Additionally, new character cards are introduced, featuring double costume spaces instead of the usual triple. These characters do not count towards completed costume objectives or rehearsal bonuses. When activated, they grant the top-left benefit, and if their costume spaces are filled, they also grant the bottom-right benefit.
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the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
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01
Setup
The Shakespeare Backstage expansion introduces three modules: new objective cards, new character cards, and backstage cards, which are integrated into the base game's setup.
The rules, step by step
Setup
To set up the Shakespeare Backstage expansion, first, shuffle the new objective cards into the main objective deck. Next, integrate the new character cards into the character deck, ensuring they are shuffled thoroughly. Finally, for the backstage cards, lay out the same number of cards as there are character cards in play for the current player count, typically placing them above the main board. These cards will be used with unused bid tokens during the turn.
Objective
The expansion introduces new objective cards that, unlike the base game's objectives, do not provide end-game victory points. Instead, when a player selects one of these new objective cards during the ambiance phase, they immediately trigger the action printed at the bottom of the card, such as gaining resources or moving up on tracks. Additionally, new character cards are introduced, featuring double costume spaces instead of the usual triple. These characters do not count towards completed costume objectives or rehearsal bonuses. When activated, they grant the top-left benefit, and if their costume spaces are filled, they also grant the bottom-right benefit.
On your turn
The core gameplay loop remains the same, but the expansion introduces a new action opportunity during the bidding phase. After players have placed their bid tokens for turn order and collected their action tokens, any unused bid tokens can be placed on the newly introduced backstage cards. Each backstage card has a specific cost in unused bid tokens to activate its unique action. This allows players to convert otherwise lost bid tokens into valuable actions, adding an extra layer of strategic decision-making to the bidding phase and overall turn structure.
Scoring
The new objective cards do not contribute to end-game scoring; their value lies in the immediate benefits they provide during the game. New character cards, while offering unique activation bonuses, do not count towards the completion of costume objectives or provide tokens during the rehearsal phase. All other scoring mechanisms from the base game, such as points from completed objectives, set characters, and remaining resources, are tallied as usual at the end of the game.
Game end
The game concludes after six rounds, following the standard end-game procedures of the base game. Players will calculate their final scores by adding points from completed objectives, the value of their set characters, and any remaining resources. The expansion's modules primarily affect in-game actions and resource management rather than altering the fundamental end-game scoring conditions, ensuring a consistent scoring experience.
Tips
For an enhanced gameplay experience, always include the new objective cards and all new character cards in your deck, with the notable exception of the 'Bear' character card, which can disrupt the game's balance by negating the strategic importance of bidding. The backstage cards can add significant strategic depth, especially with experienced players, by providing additional action opportunities for unused bid tokens. However, be mindful that integrating the backstage cards can extend the game duration by 20-30 minutes due to the increased number of actions players can take each turn.
game anatomy
Complexity3.0 / 5
BGG rating7.4 / 10
Vibe
Strategy
Language dependence
No in-game text needed
Play time
20–90 min
Players
1–4
Recommended age
13+ yrs
BGG rank
#842
from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The expansion introduces new objective cards that, unlike the base game's objectives, do not provide end-game victory points. Instead, when a player selects one of these new objective cards during the ambiance phase, they immediately trigger the action printed at the bottom of the card, such as gaining resources or moving up on tracks. Additionally, new character cards are introduced, featuring double costume spaces instead of the usual triple. These characters do not count towards completed costume objectives or rehearsal bonuses. When activated, they grant the top-left benefit, and if their costume spaces are filled, they also grant the bottom-right benefit.
Q2How do you set up the game?
To set up the Shakespeare Backstage expansion, first, shuffle the new objective cards into the main objective deck. Next, integrate the new character cards into the character deck, ensuring they are shuffled thoroughly. Finally, for the backstage cards, lay out the same number of cards as there are character cards in play for the current player count, typically placing them above the main board. These cards will be used with unused bid tokens during the turn.
Q3How does a turn work?
The core gameplay loop remains the same, but the expansion introduces a new action opportunity during the bidding phase. After players have placed their bid tokens for turn order and collected their action tokens, any unused bid tokens can be placed on the newly introduced backstage cards. Each backstage card has a specific cost in unused bid tokens to activate its unique action. This allows players to convert otherwise lost bid tokens into valuable actions, adding an extra layer of strategic decision-making to the bidding phase and overall turn structure.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
The new objective cards do not contribute to end-game scoring; their value lies in the immediate benefits they provide during the game. New character cards, while offering unique activation bonuses, do not count towards the completion of costume objectives or provide tokens during the rehearsal phase. All other scoring mechanisms from the base game, such as points from completed objectives, set characters, and remaining resources, are tallied as usual at the end of the game.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes after six rounds, following the standard end-game procedures of the base game. Players will calculate their final scores by adding points from completed objectives, the value of their set characters, and any remaining resources. The expansion's modules primarily affect in-game actions and resource management rather than altering the fundamental end-game scoring conditions, ensuring a consistent scoring experience.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
For an enhanced gameplay experience, always include the new objective cards and all new character cards in your deck, with the notable exception of the 'Bear' character card, which can disrupt the game's balance by negating the strategic importance of bidding. The backstage cards can add significant strategic depth, especially with experienced players, by providing additional action opportunities for unused bid tokens. However, be mindful that integrating the backstage cards can extend the game duration by 20-30 minutes due to the increased number of actions players can take each turn.
Q7How much does Shakespeare cost?
No store is currently tracking Shakespeare. Check the Prices tab — you can set a price alert to be notified when it appears.
Q8Where can I buy Shakespeare cheapest?
Check the Prices tab — howtoplay.ro aggregates offers from 7+ Romanian board-game stores and tracks price history.
Q9How do you play Shakespeare?
Shakespeare is a renaissance game, for 1–4 players, taking ~20–90 minutes, featuring action points. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Shakespeare — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Shakespeare support?
Shakespeare is played by 1–4 players.
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Price history
Price trend over the last 90 days: minimum 143 lei, maximum 179 lei, now 179 lei.
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