Ah, Sheriff of Nottingham. Back when I was a fresh-faced gamer, with only a handful of board games under my belt, you were the height of sneaky social deduction. You were the first tabletop title that compelled me to play over and over again. We may not have met for many years now, but I still cherish the memories we made together. And now, with Amazon US slashing your price by 41% for Black Friday, you can make memories with a whole new audience.
I'll stop with this ode to the Sheriff and address you now, reader. If you couldn't tell, this bluffing game was a formative part of my hobby career. I'd go as far to say that it's one of the best gateway board games for introducing newcomers.
For the unfamiliar, 2014's Sheriff of Nottingham is a light game of strategy and deception. You'll play as Medieval market peddlers trying to transport wares into Nottingham. There's plenty of reason to become the top seller of cheeses, apples, or chickens, but the real profits lie in contraband goods. The trouble is that the ever-watchful Sheriff gets to check your bags before you enter the city - and there's a dire penalty for illegal activity.
Luckily for you, the Sheriff of Nottingham can be corrupted. Each round, one player will take on the role of Sheriff, while the others fill felt bags with the goods they plan to sell at market. The Sheriff player asks everyone to declare these goods, and they can decide whether to let the bag pass unchecked or whether to investigate by breaking its seal.
The Sheriff earns money when contraband is discovered, but if they falsely accuse a merchant of lying, it's the Sheriff who has to pay. That on its own turns the question of 'to open or not to open' into something more strategic. Then, we add bribery. If the Sheriff hints that he's planning to investigate a merchant, that player is entirely free to sweeten the deal - usually with, but not limited to, cash.
Money makes the world go round in Sheriff of Nottingham, and the most profitable player will be declared victorious. It's a simple concept done extremely well. Combined with its charming theme and art (though I personally prefer the art of the first edition rather than this new second edition), and you've got a board game worthy of your regular rotation.
For more of the best Black Friday board game deals, check out our full round-up. We'll also share more great bargains that we spot in the Wargamer Discord.