Objective: In Big Boss, the goal is to become the wealthiest player by investing in and expanding companies. Players buy shares, merge companies, and strategically place tiles to increase the value of their investments.

Setup:

1. Players: 2-6 players.

2. Components:

   • Game board with a grid for placing tiles.

   • Company tiles in various colors.

   • Shares of each company.

   • Money (banknotes).

   • Player screens to keep money and shares hidden.

   • Company markers.

3. Starting the Game:

   • Each player starts with a set amount of money (typically $10,000).

   • Shuffle the company tiles and deal 5 to each player. These tiles correspond to locations on the board where companies can be established or expanded.

   • Place the company markers near the board.
     

Gameplay:

1. Player Turn:

   • Place a Tile: On your turn, place one of your tiles on the corresponding space on the board. This can either:

     • Start a new company (by placing the first tile in a new area).

     • Expand an existing company (by adding to a group of connected tiles of the same color).

     • Merge two companies (if the tile connects two groups of different colors).

   • Buy Shares: After placing a tile, you may buy shares in any company on the board. Each player can buy up to 3 shares per turn.

     • The price of the shares depends on the size of the company. Larger companies are more expensive.

   • Draw a New Tile: At the end of your turn, draw a new tile to replenish your hand to 5 tiles.

2. Merging Companies:

   • When you place a tile that connects two companies, a merger occurs.

   • The larger company absorbs the smaller one. Shareholders of the smaller company receive a payout based on the value of the shares.

   • The absorbed company's shares become worthless, and its tiles are replaced with the larger company's tiles.

3. Company Expansion:

   • Companies increase in value as they grow. The more tiles a company has, the more valuable its shares become.

   • Players should strategically place tiles to either grow their investments or set up beneficial mergers.

4. Winning the Game:

   • The game ends when the tiles run out, or a company reaches a certain size (determined by the number of tiles).

   • Players then calculate their total wealth by adding up their cash and the value of their remaining shares.

   • The player with the most wealth wins the game.
     

Variations:

• Auction Variant: Players can bid on tiles to add an extra layer of strategy.

• Team Play: Players can team up to control and merge companies together.