Vernissage

About this board game

Vernissage is an auction and placement board game for 3–5 players, with play taking about 60 minutes. Players compete to promote artists, influence their reputations, and finish with the most cash.

A special die determines the flow of fate, while players choose Fate counters and place them against artists. These counters can bring an artist into favour or push them out. Players also play cards to move artists up the steps in the gallery, while the Critic’s feather can damage an artist’s reputation.

Rivals are not powerless against one another. Players may object to or contest Fate counters by using cash cards, creating opportunities to challenge an opponent’s plans and reshape which artists are gaining attention.

• IN artists: Players earn money when they own that artist’s paintings.
• OUT artists: The artist is removed, but their paintings remain in the game.
• Vernissages: An artist highest on the stairs can earn a Great or Small Vernissage, which moves that artist IN.

The game ends when one of several conditions is met. Players then cash up the values of their paintings and repay any loans they took. Whoever has the most cash wins.

With its variety of components and long rules set, Vernissage may initially appear difficult, but its unusual combination of auctions, influence, reputation, and gallery placement creates an entertaining contest. The central struggle is to bring your protégés out on top while making rival artists lose favour.