Mastering the Strategy of Acquire: A Comprehensive Guide

Acquire, first published in 1960, is a classic board game that remains popular for its strategic depth and investor involvement. The game requires players to invest in hotel chains and create the largest chain to win. In this guide, we will explore the main strategies, rules, and how to play the game effectively.

How to Play Acquire

The basic objective of Acquire is to create the largest hotel chain and maximize profit by acquiring shares and merging them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to engage in this thrilling game:

Game Setup

Players: Typically 2-6 players, though it’s best with 4 players for optimal fun. Shuffle the tiles: Shuffle the hotel tiles to determine the order of play during your turn. Token distribution: Each player receives a token that represents their investment. Initial investment: Players place their token on any hotel tile.

Main Objective

The core strategy in Acquire revolves around forming the largest hotel chain through a series of mergers. Here are key strategies to master the game:

Investment in Merging Chains

The primary strategy in Acquire is to invest in chains that merge. Merging two chains can significantly increase the size of your holdings. However, if you keep investing in chains that are getting acquired, you may find yourself running out of money. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep track of which chains are likely to merge and which are being merged into others.

Merge Wisely

When merging chains, consider the total value and the potential future payments. Aim to create chains that can dominate the board. If two hotel chains meet, the larger one takes over the smaller one. This is a crucial moment to evaluate your position and plan your next moves.

Evident Risks

An important aspect of the game is the risk of acquiring other chains. If you keep investing in chains that are being merged into others, you may end up with a large but rapidly diminishing capital. Be cautious and avoid pouring your resources into high-risk ventures unless you can foresee a definite payoff.

Rules of the Game

Adding to the complexity, Acquire has specific rules that govern the flow of the game:

Turn Structure

Taking turns: Players take turns picking tiles from the middle and placing them on the board. Stock investment: With each turn, players can buy stock in the hotel chain they control. This allows you to grow your holdings. Payment distribution: At the end of the game, the largest hotel chain determines the payout, with the player holding the most profitable shares winning.

Playing Acquire Online and Using Forums

To get a feel for the game before playing with physical tiles, you can play it online here. Additionally, there are numerous forums dedicated to Acquire where players discuss strategies, share tips, and enjoy the game with a community of enthusiasts. These resources can be invaluable for improving your game and learning from experienced players.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the official and detailed rules here for a comprehensive understanding of the gameplay.