Merchants & Marauders - Gameplay & Discussion

Today we're setting sail across the Caribbean, seeking gold, glory and adventure! Join us as we play and discuss Merchants & Marauders!
In this series you'll be joining our group of friends for a post-game discussion of our favorite games. We'll be highlighting exciting moments from the game and cutting to replays during our discussion.
You can find the excellent rules summary from The Esoteric Order of Gamers here - www.orderofgamers.com/download...
Questions or Comments? Feel free to contact me at info@bgreplay (dot) com or in the comments below!
Music Credits - "Nerves" - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Follow us on Twitter at @boardgamereplay
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Check out our Facebook page for updates and info in between video uploads!
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Thanks so much!
INDEX
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Rules & Game Overview
12:28 - Titles & Game Play Montage
13:05 - End of the Game / Discussion Begins
15:55 - Game Results
16:45 - Press Your Luck Elements
17:50 - Random Elements & Game Variability
18:35 - Pirates vs. Merchants
20:13 - Replay #1 - One of Matt's many Merchant Raids
21:50 - Mitigating Luck / Risk Reward Elements
24:13 - Replay #2 - Isaac is attacked by a Pirate NPC
27:43 - Isaac's Post-game Thoughts
28:42 - Replay #3 - Some Diplomacy at Sea!
30:53 - Dynamic Elements of the Game
32:06 - Knowing the Rules and Taking Risks
33:53 - Replay #4 - Fighting a Man-O-War
36:39 - Retiring Captain or Dying
39:05 - Cutthroat Variant
39:55 - Seas of Glory Expansion
40:43 - Final Thoughts / Current Video Schedule

[@agathianspy2469]

14:22 you guys played this wrong, he could have indeed rolled to try and see if the rumor was true, because resolves in that same port. From the official zman games FAQ: "You may even try resolve a new rumor if it just happens to take place in the same port."

[@affordableminis3746]

I was yelling at he monitor lol, good point

[@davidneri1072]

Love this game Matt, especially with the expansion! Nice job presenting the game.Nice to have you guys back. You were missed!

[@boardgamereplay]

David Neri Thanks David, I appreciate that. As we mentioned at the end, it's just been really tough getting a good schedule established now that we've got 2 kids in the house (and we basically always film in my basement). We're working on it though and will definitely be doing our best to keep up with the content going forward...even if that means solo stuff recorded in the wee hours of the morning :)

[@davidneri1072]

Hey life happens and I congratulate you for the new addition to your family. That's awesome! I check for your posts regularly so keep them coming (time permitting of course.) 😃

[@rheiser]

Great to see a new video, especially of such a great game. Congrats on the baby!

[@boardgamereplay]

Rob Heiser Thanks Rob! :)

[@juandaru2112]

thx for the vid, my friend just picked this up, will try it out tonite or tomorrow!

[@d70tt5]

Great video, and just when I was hovering on the edge of buying this too! Just wanted to mention that the cut-throat variant also adds another rule that you didn't mention: on the turn after you scout out of turn, you only get one action.

[@boardgamereplay]

Tarnop Hey, thanks I'm glad you enjoyed it! Good note on that cutthroat variant too. Seems to make sense that you get some limited actions next turn. Thanks for letting us know!

[@Salixalba1000]

Missed you guys big time. Love the vids. This looks like a must buy now.

[@boardgamereplay]

Keith Czop Thanks Keith, so glad to hear that! As we mentioned we're working on getting things a bit more scheduled so hopefully we can mitigate some of the craziness. More videos to come for sure...glad to have you with us!

[@daihideo]

OMG didn't see this update on my subscriptions!!! I requested you play this awhile ago. Thank you Matt!!

[@boardgamereplay]

daihideo You're welcome, glad we could finally get this one out! :)

[@JohnGottschalk]

I got a slap chop add on here, and watched the whole thing just for nostalgia sake

[@Doeniel02]

Hi great video! I have one question. Can you use the Glory cards just in one round and put them on the thrash or are they available to use every round? Thank you and greetings from germany :).

[@boardgamereplay]

Apologies for the delay in responding. Glory cards are almost always one time use cards, unless they are a Specialist. Those stay out in front of you and continue to give you a bonus throughout the game. Hope that helps...thanks for watching!

[@PauloRenato23]

very cool show again guys :) Never played this one but the comments of so many little rules scares me away a bit :p

[@boardgamereplay]

Paulo Renato Thanks so much Paulo...Hey, but aren't you the rules guy for Rahdo? ;) Nah, but seriously it's not so bad. By "little rules" I just mean things like iconography, knowing how all the different ship parts work, etc. The game actually comes with 4 full size, double sided reference sheets to be used during the game so you can know all these things at a glance. You'll pick up the flow of the game just a few turns into your first game, but after that might just a game or two to wrap you head around the various paths to victory.

[@dennishanans533]

Thanks for this,helps a lot and the game looks like something I would get into.

[@boardgamereplay]

+Dennis Hanans That's nice to hear Dennis, thanks a lot!

[@dennishanans533]

+Board Game Replay,Hi Matt, Are there any SOLO rules you know of?

[@boardgamereplay]

+Dennis Hanans None that I know of, but I haven't really looked. Maybe someone has come up with something in the variant section over at BGG?

[@dennishanans533]

+Board Game Replay Thanks for the reply, yep, solo, use a D20 and roll for the game at the end of your turn for the games Glory points.1-10 game gets no points.11-18 game gets 1 point and 19-20 game gets 2 points.Works ok i guess.Enjoy your day!

[@kingplayer14]

Looks like a big fun game. I would be happy to sit down and learn, but probably not own. Hope to see you soon Matt

[@boardgamereplay]

kingplayer14 It certainly is a great game, but it's definitely a big one. Doesn't get a lot of players over the course of a year, but when we I do break it out I just want to keep playing! Indeed, we will see each other soon! Sooo looking forward to GenCon!

[@andresrosa2352]

Yesss! Merchant and Marauders! Have you guys tried playing with the expansion, Seas of Glory? Awesome replay.

[@boardgamereplay]

Andres Rosa Thanks Andres! We actually do own the Seas of Glory expansion but have never tried it out. Most of these guys were completely new to the base game so they wanted to have more time with that before we introduced even more. It looks so good though!

[@andresrosa2352]

Board Game Replay It is, especially the wind dial, which is turned every round, and give the following: you get one extra "move action" if you are going in the direction of the wind and takes one action if you are moving against. It's the best one to use right there with the base game :)

[@boardgamereplay]

Andres Rosa Wow that wind dial sounds awesome! I'm definitely going to push for including at least that one in our next game. Thanks for the heads up!

[@glen7567]

+Board Game Replay not sure if you'd be willing to do another one of these with the expansion?.

[@andresrosa2352]

True, with so many games and then your schedule, that would be a tall order. Just keep making these amazing videos!

[@raymyers700]

Curse you!!!! I was able to resist this game and then I watched your mini review! LOL! Congrats on the baby! That is great news! Also, have you ever played Christian's other game "Clash of Cultures"? It is my #1 game because it is 4xish, without the huge amount of time spent...especially with the great expansion!

[@boardgamereplay]

Thanks so much Ray, very glad we were able to help sell you on this one :) I'm glad you mentioned Clash of Cultures too, as I keep hearing great things about it. I'm definitely going to have to pick it up with the expansion!

[@stevemathers3432]

thanks! Have you guys got Rex? Its out of print at the moment, but Id love to see it played. I think a reprint will be available soon

[@boardgamereplay]

steve mathers I don't have that one, but it's always been on my radar. From everything I've heard I do thing it would be a great one for our group...might try to get a hold of that when the next printing comes around. Thanks Steve!

[@Asaloy]

Is the full gameplay available?

[@whiteknight4040]

Very cool Video as always Matt, I don't think this one is for me just because I don't have a gaming group that would be into it, but it does seem fun...you guys play a lot of games that I would like but I wouldn't be able to get to the table. I should probably move to where you live and join your group. ;)

[@boardgamereplay]

Bret Kelso Thanks Bret! I can understand that, some games just aren't for everyone. You are totally welcomed to join our group if you ever end up in the area though! :)

[@StigSlashBro]

This is exactly the sort of stuff I've wanted to watch since SUSD's Twilight Imperium playthrough! So glad I've found this channel. Subbed.

[@boardgamereplay]

Thanks a lot! Very glad to have you!

[@jeremiahkool1]

Cheers for the video guys, I just wondered how long the game actually took?

[@boardgamereplay]

It's been a little while but I'm pretty sure this game was around 2-2.5 hours. This is a pretty long game until you've learned the flow of everything so expect about 3-4 hours for your first 4 player game.

[@jeremiahkool1]

Thanks for the reply, looks like a really immersive game.

[@dennishanans533]

21:20 you missed moving your Cargo hit!! What's with "that" you Pirate?

[@Army1SGRetired]

I believe you misplayed the escape rule, the captain attempting to escape needs at least one success in addition to the enemy captain getting zero successes in their chosen action.

[@boardgamereplay]

You are correct, thanks for pointing that out! Isaac was still required to "win" the Seamanship check, which would require at least 1 success while his opponent rolled none. I'll add an annotation to clarify that. Thanks again!

[@Army1SGRetired]

+Board Game Replay no prob, I watched a couple replays and oddly enough it was consistently played incorrectly, so many people had the same train of thought. Great game, but I had to hit the rules and SAW more than a few times. Really enjoyed your replay by the way, cheers!

[@Army1SGRetired]

+Ed Comstock edit, SAW was supposed to be FAQ, stupid auto correct.

[@TheDiscipleDJ]

7,000th subscriber! Great vid

[@boardgamereplay]

TheDisciple Thanks so much! Very glad to have you! :)

[@bobdole8830]

The rule summary link is dead ^(

[@Swooz777]

Yes a new video ! Wohoo

[@boardgamereplay]

Korneel T Hey, glad you're excited! As we mentioned in the video, things have just been a little crazy with the new baby and all. Going forward we hope to keep the videos coming on faster schedule!

[@Swooz777]

Board Game Replay Awesome! You guys already made me buy: Cyclades, Cosmic Encounter, Chaos in The Old World, Tales of The Arabian Nights & Specter Ops. My gaming group loved them. Great channel guys, can't wait for the next bg!

[@boardgamereplay]

Korneel T That's so great, very glad to hear we've been able to help you out! Thanks so much!

[@dustybiondo5414]

Do you get to take over A ship in the game?

[@boardgamereplay]

Yes you do! When you're fighting in ship to ship combat, if you manage to win using crew combat, you can choose to take their ship as you plunder!

[@dustybiondo5414]

Thanks

[@kauhanen44]

Why does it have to cost 60 euros? I want it ;_; BTW, is the game language-dependent? There is no Finnish version of it. I can read English very well, but some of the people I play with can't, so I couldn't really help them by reading some secret cards or whatever.

[@boardgamereplay]

I'd say the game is fairly language dependent. The board has lots of text on it for each of the special powers for that area. Plus cards hidden in hands like Glory Cards could cause problems. You may be able to try it with you reading everything but it probably wouldn't be ideal unless you were the full time moderator for it. It might be worth shooting an email to ZMAN games and see if they have plans for a Finnish version. One way or another I hope you find a way to play with you friends! Good luck!

[@edoardomilanello920]

My best friend bought me this for my birthday; believe me, every penny of it is well spent. Complicated, funny, endless and friendship-destructive, all you need for a great night with your mates

[@shbenton01]

20:25 lacist...

[@archmagus1510]

i played sooo many pirate games becouse i love the theme,liberatlia,grog island,21 mutinies and others but NOYHING stands to this game.its only one PROPER pirate game.I am waiting for gale force 9 to do black sails.

[@boardgamereplay]

BlackmaskGamin' I've only played a few of the other pirate games, but I have to agree that this one is really great. There's just so much going on and so many different ways the game can play out. Is GF9 actually slated to make Black Sails?! If so that's amazing news!

[@archmagus1510]

Board Game Replay yeah there was a flyer in the homeland game.it should come this fall of 2015.also i recommend for your group the bootleggers game.i think you will like it and its a great game for your video format.

[@boardgamereplay]

Oh man, that's excellent! Thanks for the info, can't wait to try it!

[@jeroendemulder3747]

The Pirate Republic is now on Kickstarter. It seems that Merchants & Marauders has finally got some competition for the best pirate game ever!

[@SimCityEA1989]

5:41 and 5:42 BLUE SHIP MOVED WITHOUT YOU MOVING IT THE SHIP IS ALIVE XD ILLUMINATI CONFIRMED

[@boardgamereplay]

+Leonardo Mendez Haha, nice. You caught one of my many edits to this rules overview :)

[@SimCityEA1989]

Board Game Replay or or it can be a ghost in your video or or Illuminati confirmed

[@dennisonvlee2999]

Strange how this is a big succes in America.. It fails here in europe. Played it quite a couple of times with my friends. All veteran boardgamers. We quickly found the merchant way is the win way. You can only be hindered by war, but mostly, it's clear sailing as you go from port to port. It usually becomes a game of chance. the one who draws the most 3 card combo's wins. Those who try the pirate way are always behind.

[@boardgamereplay]

We've definitely found the same thing in that it's easiest to just take the merchant route. The risks are relatively small and like you said there's a lot of hope for good luck in what products you're picking up and dropping off. However, after a few games played there was always someone going down the pirate path. It's just so much more fun when you've got one or two players going for the pirate life. Not only is it exciting for the pirate as they've got more risk / reward possibilities but it also gives the merchant players alternative play styles like trying to track down bounties or beefing up their defenses. I don't think this is a perfect game by any means...it has some definite problems. But for us the pros outweigh the cons and it ends up being a fun pirate / high seas game. That said I'm still waiting the definitive pirate game experience and would love to see that sooner than later...this is too good of a theme to ignore!

[@marcusfall6077]

Correct me if I'm wrong but we initially had the same issue until we read through the rule book. The rule book seems to say that a port action is counted as a move separately from going into port. In other words, you can port hop to be safe, but can not do a port action until the next turn. When played this way, pirates have a much better chance of winning.

[@KnucklesEki]

I am shocked at this video. Like, really... all that ship combat, and there are NO Pirates of the Caribbeans quotes or such? I understand no music due to copyright, but... Anyway, do you think it's possible to win going purely Merchant with no evil piratey actions, or purely Pirate from the get go with no goody-two-shoes merchanting actions?

[@boardgamereplay]

Haha sorry to disappoint you by leaving out the quotes! We'll try harder next time! As for your question, you can certainly win the game playing either of those ways. This game Jeremy played purely merchant, completing missions, rumors and one time fighting a pirate NPC ship that got in his way. I played almost purely as a pirate as well. I really only ever sold good one time. The rest of my money came from Merchant raids, rumor cards and missions (my mission actually required me to be a pirate to complete it). That said while you can certainly win going purely down either path, we generally think it's best to not hold yourself to going all or nothing in a particular strategy. As we mentioned in the discussion you've really got play it tactically and do what is best for you at the time. That's kinda why I enjoy this one so much. It's so different every time because of that.

[@JesusSavesFromSin]

Jesus Christ saves from sin. Romans 3: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Hebrews 9: 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Isaiah 64: 6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Revelation 21: 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Romans 5: 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. John 3: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 14: 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Romans 10: 9-10. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Jesus said John 5: 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 1John 5: 10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. Ephesians 2: 8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Romans 8: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5: 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................