The Classic Bean-Planting Card Game
Bohnanza is one of those games that sneaks up on you. At first glance, a card game about planting and trading beans doesn’t seem like the most thrilling way to spend an evening. But once you get into it, you realise it’s one of the most cutthroat and entertaining negotiation games around. It’s been (Pun intended) around for ages but i only first played it at Games Expo last year but enjoyed it so much i immidiately picked up a copy.
Quick Facts About Bohnanza
- Designer: Uwe Rosenberg
- Publisher: AMIGO Spiele (originally) and Rio Grande Games (English version)
- Player Count: 3–7 players (officially, but expansions adjust this)
- Playtime: Around 45 minutes
- Game Type: Set collection, trading, and hand management
- Theme: Farming (specifically, bean planting and trading)
How to Play Bohnanza
The core of Bohnanza is simple: you’re a bean farmer planting, harvesting, and trading beans to earn gold. But there’s one twist that changes everything—you must play your cards in the order you receive them. You can’t rearrange your hand, meaning careful planning and negotiation are key.
A Turn Breakdown:
- Plant Beans: You must plant the first card in your hand and can optionally plant a second. You only have two (or later, three) fields, so space is limited.
- Trade and Donate: This is where the game gets lively. Players trade unwanted beans, and sometimes you’ll need to give away beans to avoid planting something you don’t want.
- Draw New Cards: You draw two cards and place them at the back of your hand (remember, no rearranging).
- Harvest: If a field is full, or if you’re forced to, you harvest beans to gain coins based on how many of that type you planted.
The game continues until the deck has been cycled through three times, at which point the player with the most coins wins.
Components – More Than Just Beans
Bohnanza keeps it simple with a deck of cards and some reference sheets, but don’t be fooled—it’s all you need for an intense game of deal-making and strategy.
- Bean Cards: Each bean type has a different value and frequency (e.g., Garden Beans are common and worth little, while Cocoa Beans are rare but valuable).
- Gold Coins: The back of the bean cards double as coins when you harvest.
- Player Reference Cards: A quick guide to bean values and turn structure.
Player Count – Who’s at the Table Matters
Bohnanza scales well but feels different depending on the number of players:
- 3–4 players: A more strategic game where you can plan ahead and hold grudges. Trades are more calculated.
- 5–6 players: Absolute chaos. You need to be flexible and make deals quickly.
- 7 players: It’s wild. Expect desperate trades, last-minute deals, and a fast-moving game.
For those who prefer a more controlled experience, the lower player counts allow for deeper strategy, while the higher numbers push social interaction and negotiation to the forefront.
Expansions and Variants – More Beans, More Fun
Over the years, several expansions and spin-offs have been released:
- Bohnanza: The Duel – A two-player variant that tweaks the trading mechanics.
- Bohnanza: Erweiterungs-Set – Adds more bean types and support for up to seven players.
- High Bohn – Introduces a Wild West theme and new mechanics.
- La Isla Bohnita – Adds a pirate island and additional trade options.
Each expansion adds variety without overcomplicating the core mechanics, making them great for seasoned players looking for a fresh challenge.
Digital Versions – Playing Bohnanza Online
If you don’t have a group handy, you can still play Bohnanza online:
- Board Game Arena – Offers a great digital version with automated rules enforcement.
- Tabletop Simulator – A more flexible option if you want a virtual tabletop experience.
These platforms allow you to play with friends or against strangers, keeping the trading and planting experience alive even when you can’t gather in person.
Final Thoughts
Bohnanza is a brilliant mix of strategy, social interaction, and negotiation. Whether you’re bartering with friends over a Soybean or desperately offloading a Wax Bean, every game tells a unique story. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re missing out on one of the best trading games out there.