Deadwood
2–8 players • James Ernest • 1999
- Designer
- James Ernest
- First published
- 1999
- Players
- 2–8 players
How it plays
Deadwood plays 2–8 players.
More by the same designer
Board games in the collecto.rs catalogue whose credits, title or description name this designer — this one included.
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Where it came from
Deadwood was published in 1999 by Cheap Games, a label founded by James Ernest as a creative outlet for games with minimalist packaging. The game emerged from the mid-nineties design philosophy of prioritizing accessible, portable, and low-cost experiences, utilizing small card decks and simple components that could be sold in small, distinctive envelopes. It was conceived as a light, high-stakes game that mirrored the lawlessness and volatility of the Old West.
Designed by James Ernest, the game focuses on rapid-fire decision-making and push-your-luck mechanics intended to evoke a classic saloon shootout. Ernest utilized a design approach that favored short playtimes and high player interaction, ensuring the game felt like a quick session at a card table rather than a complex simulation. Upon its release, it was noted by the hobbyist community for its portability and its ability to capture the essence of a western theme without requiring the space or time commitment of larger, more traditional board games.
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Who's collecting this
Real games collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Deadwood
Deadwood is a game in the Board Games catalog on collecto.rs. 2–8 players • James Ernest • 1999. Catalog data is sourced from Wikidata. No public games collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How do you play Deadwood?
Deadwood is a board game for 2–8 players. collecto.rs catalogues the game, not its rules — for the full rulebook, use the copy in the box or the publisher's own site.
How many players is Deadwood for?
Deadwood is built for 2–8 players. That count comes from this catalog entry alone — nothing from an expansion or a spin-off is folded into it.
Who designed Deadwood?
Deadwood was designed by James Ernest. The catalog gives its publication year as 1999.
How many collectors track Deadwood on collecto.rs?
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Where does the Deadwood catalog entry come from?
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