In Race! every game turn represents one of more laps of the track and each player is in control of only one car. Other cars, called robots, move automatically on the track fighting between them and the human players.
Players are provided with a set of racing cards and a car chart to keep track of all available resources (tyres, damages, reliability). By playing Racing cards they can move along the track and in so doing they spend resources. Movement can be affected by trajectories on the track, straight, corner and braking sections, opponents and other special events like yellow or blue flags.
Braking sections have a particular feature: here players and robots can try late braking, a dangerous manouver that allows them to overtake multiple cars simultaneously. Other manouvers or cards require a “check” e.g. playing a card with a check value lower than a predefined target.
Strategies and driving skills are another key element the game. Players must exploit these unique capabilities to gain against competitors while adapting their driving style to the actual race conditions.
When using a strategy at his best, players achieve a “special” which allows them to draw a Track card, usually more powerful than ordinary Racing cards.
Usually the winning player will combine excellent management of his car together with a pinch of opportunism and bravery.
Race! is a boardgame with no dice where strategy and risk melt together to convey a truly intense and deep racing experience.
