Originally created Parker Brothers game designer Marvin Glass in 1970, the Masterpiece board game has been entertaining families for decades. Unfortunately, this board game is now out of print, but you can still find used copies locally and online.
About the Masterpiece Board Game
The ultimate game for art lovers and for those who are good at bluffing, the Masterpiece board game centers around the buying and selling of works of art. The paintings featured in Masterpiece are replicas of real works of art by famous painters like Rembrandt, Monet, and Cezanne. Players buy artwork at auction and can also buy and sell art to one another. Some paintings are forgeries, which are worth nothing, and this fact may or may not be known to players at the time of sale. Other paintings can be worth as much as $1 million. The player who amasses the most valuable art collection is the winner of the game.
Typical game playing time for Masterpiece is about one hour. Set up is moderately complicated and can take as long as ten minutes. Game pieces include the main game board, 24 paintings and an easel, value cards, value charts, play money, player pieces, and a die.
Strategy Involved in Playing Masterpiece
In order to excel at Masterpiece, you'll need great bluffing skills. That's because you may be holding a painting that is a forgery. While you know your painting is a fake, other players may not have that information. One key to winning this game is being able to pass off your fake as the real thing. If you can sell your fake to another player, you'll be able to make money and will be closer to winning.When you're playing Masterpiece, it also helps to be a skilled negotiator. As you buy and sell paintings, you need to be able to get the maximum value for them from other players. Winning Masterpiece is all about buying low and selling high.
Where to Buy Masterpiece
Since the Masterpiece board game is out of print, you won't be able to buy a copy at your local toy or game store. However, copies of the game still exist, and if you search hard enough, you can even get a good deal. If you're looking for a copy of the Masterpiece board game, try the following places:
- You may be able to find a copy of Masterpiece at a garage sale. This is a good option is you have time to look for the game at a leisurely pace. When you see a copy, be sure to make sure all the pieces are there. You may even be able to use your super negotiating skills to talk the seller down on the price.
- Thrift stores are another great place to find this board game. Generally, one of the best times to look at these stores is just before and after the holidays. While demand is higher at this time, people want to make donations by the end of the year to get a write-off on their taxes.
- Online auction sites like ebay are a great source for used board games. You may even be able to find a copy of Masterpiece in mint condition. This is probably your best option if you know you need the game for an upcoming event or just want to get a copy as soon as possible.
Used copies of Masterpiece can range from under $20 to over $300, depending on the condition and edition of the game. If you search, you'll likely be able to find a complete used copy of this board game for about $50.
