Is 3 a crowd?

[raberjr]

i just started playing carc about 3 months ago.  i first found it on funagaingames.com.  however, i almost didn't buy it b/c of a review that was prominently posted at the website.  the review was titled, '3 is a crowd' and basicially stated that if you have more then 2 players, the game loses a lot.  at the time i was looking for game that could 'fit' many players so i almost didn't buy it (i'm glad i kept reading other reviews!).  anyhow, i've often thought of that review during subsequent play of carc.  i typically play with one other person but i actually like playing the game more with than two or more players.  what thoughts do others have on this?....in a 'mega carc' game, is it better with only two people or 'the more the merrier'?  it seems to me that with two players, it simplifies the playing as you are only 'dealing' with one other opponent and it pretty much ensures that you will eventually draw the tile you need to complete a feature.  in multiple player games, each tile that you draw and where you place it is very important...cause you may not get another chance to play that tile...plus you have many other players to 'keep tabs on'.  anyhow, i hope this hasn't been discussed yet...

raberjr.

[Wishmaster]

What a strange review it was that you saw... I would agree that there are very distinct differences between a two player and 3-plus games, but both have their merits. A two player game is more akin t a chess game, you can plan ahead easier and involves much more thinking. Multi player games introduce the spectacle of 3 (or possibly more) way fights for Cities. It's even better when you introduce an expansion. I've played several games where two players are battling it out to gain control of a city which is getting way to big.... my solution: stick a cathedral square slap in the middle of it... now they have to complete it to gain any points and have several meeples tied to it. The best part of this is when you fortunate enough to grab the second Cathedral square and bung that in as well... the look on their faces is just a picture!! Playing with the Cathar tiles can also have a similar effect. You can't do this unless there are are more than two playing, so the answer - Carcassonne is great with several players but also fun with two.

[Gantry]

The strategy changes somewhat with a few more players.  This is a strength, not a weakness, I too find that review you found very unusual.  There are some games that get weaker as you add players, but territorial games get more interesting imho.

[likie]

I tend to enjoy the game more with 2 - but to tell the truth 85% of the Carc games I have played have been with 2.  Agree with the others that the strategy does change with more players - in fact I would say the game would become much more tactical with 4,5 or 6 - it is essential that you get full value for the tile you draw (as you won't draw another for a while).

[Tobias]

It's chaos with six players. And I like chaos

[Wishmaster]

It's chaos with six players. And I like chaos

Yes - Five and six player games are carnage but really manic and great fun to play.... but plan nothing, by the time it's got back to your turn everything will have changed again!!