The Deception of Antiques: 12 Chinese Zodiac Bronze Heads

About this board game

The Deception of Antiques: 12 Chinese Zodiac Bronze Heads is a novel-based board game for 6–8 players, with an approximate play time of 60 minutes. Adapted from Ma Boyong’s novel of the same name, it places players in two opposing camps: the Appraisers and the Counterfeiters.

The game centers on the twelve Chinese Zodiac Bronze Heads. Play includes three rounds of treasure identification, followed by a final identification round if the Appraisers have not reached their victory target.

• Four bronze heads are selected randomly in each treasure round.
• Two of the selected heads are genuine and two are fakes.
• Players use their identity skills to assess the heads and determine which treasures are real.

The Appraisers aim to identify genuine antiques and hand them over to the state while earning victory points. They must also ensure that key players are not found and uncover who is behind the Counterfeiters.

The Counterfeiters work against this goal by using their abilities to disturb the Appraisers. Their opposition turns each identification round into a contest of judgment, competing objectives, and careful use of character skills.

If the Appraisers gain enough victory points, they win. Otherwise, the Counterfeiters claim victory. An app is required to play The Deception of Antiques: 12 Chinese Zodiac Bronze Heads.