Istanbul: Mocha & Baksheesh Review - with Zee Garcia

Zee takes a look at the first expansion to the excellent Istanbul.
00:00 - Introduction
01:00- Game overview
07:17 - Final thoughts
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BGG Link: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1...

[@Strandvideo]

Mocha & Baksheesh is an amazing expansion which made Istanbul base game way better by adding other ways to get gems. I NEVER EVER play the base game without this expansion. This greatly improves the base game! I give it a 10 out of 10.

[@Skarpo89]

Love that you mention Language Dependence, it really makes a difference to us when choosing which game to buy.

[@jameskirk4692]

Thank you for reviewing this expansion! I love your reviews and the Istanbul gane. I am going to get this.

[@anamariaperaza5126]

Thank you for the language dependence comment, it does makes a different in our group!

[@salustianoberrios405]

I JUST got the original game. As well as Res Arcana. So excited for these

[@jminnick1990]

Both great games. Enjoy

[@thegreatwizard11]

Love the game, can’t wait to try the expansions

[@Rik77]

Interesting, generally I'd say thematically it makes sense as coffee is a natural resource in this type of setting along with the "baksheesh" of favours.

[@TheStarletStitcher]

coffee expansion is awesome; I haven't played letters & seals yet. but all components for the base game and both expansions fit in the original box . there's even enough room to fit all the boardgame innovation overlays as well. no need for the giant box to fit everything, though purchasing the big box may save some money if you don't already have the base.

[@2532robh1]

Played this expansion at Gen Con this year. Really enjoyed it!!!

[@vuvuzela691]

Don't think coffee is thematic? Ottoman coffeehouses had a huge effect on education, politics and society in the Ottoman empire

[@williammcguinness795]

Great job, Zee! One thing; we highly suggest combing both expansions, but should be played with a full player count.

[@Physiology-E-Paathshala]

Hi zee. I have a few queries about this expansion 1. Do I need to place the barricade immediately or can I place it later on in the game? 2. If I have already placed barricade tile at a location.....Can I change its position to somewhere else? If yes then how? 3. Also can we do all the three actions of tavern and roasting plant in one turn?

[@nitrorev]

1) When you take the barrier action at the Tavern, you must place the barrier immediately and then take the benefit. You don't get to just hold onto it indefinitely and then place it at will later. 2) Yes, you can change the location of the barrier by going back to the Tavern again and taking the same action again. No matter is the barrier is in the general supply (off the board) or already in use (on the board) you follow the same steps. 3) You can take all 3 actions at the roasting plant or as many of them as you like (one time each for a maximum of 6 coffee) but when you go to the tavern, you may only do 1 of the 3 possible tavern actions.

[@willyum3108]

I have Yokohama coming next year. Should I pass on this?

[@michal2270]

Hello, I want to ask something. When I move the barricade, I always have to pay for two coffees, that's how it is

[@nitrorev]

Yes, no matter who is the current controller

[@harleygrattan2851]

Can you mix the expansions?

[@youtublet]

Harley Grattan yes

[@Strandvideo]

Quick game? I wouldn't say this is a quick game.

[@alecgalbraith5604]

How long do your games take? It takes us 30-40 mins, which I would say is pretty quick compared to most board games.

[@dannys_78]

It's not super short, but not super long. The time on the box is 45mins which is definitely the case if all players know what they're doing. I LOVE Istanbul and have played the base game to death, Mocha and Baksheesh does add some interesting elements but I've only had the opportunity to play it a few times (mostly because we tend to have at least one new player every time the game comes out, so I tend to teach just the base game). I might get Letters & Seals one day if I feel I've played out the first expansion as well.

[@Strandvideo]

@@alecgalbraith5604 A 4 player game that includes this expansion usually takes us 2 hours to play. 30-40 minutes would suggest no wait time for players to make strategic decisions.

[@alecgalbraith5604]

Derek S We just plan what we are doing during other people’s turns and have backup options if the place we were going is taken. Granted, I haven’t actually played with the expansions yet, so maybe they add a little more AP.