I was at a friend’s house and saw a piece of tabletop history: Trump: The Game. Originally released in 1989, this game of high-stakes deals and property trading captures the bold, larger-than-life essence of its namesake.

While I’ll save a deep dive into gameplay for another day, today is all about the game box itself—the pieces, the cards, the board, and all the little details that make this classic game a collector’s treasure. Please excuse the weathered condition of the game.

The original Trump: The Game box is as flashy as you’d expect. The cover prominently features Donald Trump’s name in bold, golden letters, with his face taking center stage—a nod to his branding style.

The game board features properties like premium real estate names like casinos, hotels, and skyscrapers. Each property has its own value, making them key assets in the game. Landing on the Trump Card spaces adds a layer of unpredictability, letting players draw special cards that can change the course of the game. There are also Bankruptcy and Loan Areas. These areas add tension and risk to every turn, reminding players that big deals often come with even bigger stakes.

The Trump cards give players special abilities, allowing them to adjust deals, outbid opponents, or gain bonuses. They’re the ultimate power moves, adding strategy and chaos in equal measure. There are also Auction cards that determine which properties or assets are up for grabs, setting the stage for bidding wars and negotiation.

The Event cards add a layer of unpredictability, these cards introduce scenarios like market crashes, windfalls, or sudden opportunities, shaking up the game at every turn.

Of course, no game about high-stakes deals would be complete without stacks of play money. The bills are vibrant and feature bold denominations, giving players the thrill of handling large sums—even if it’s just pretend!

Players choose from distinctive tokens that represent their role in the game. Each token exudes a sense of wealth and ambition, tying perfectly into the game’s theme. Whether it’s a gold bar or a fancy piece of real estate, every token feels like it belongs in a power broker’s briefcase.

The properties in Trump: The Game is the heart of the experience. Each one is inspired by high-value real estate and business ventures, ranging from luxury hotels to prime city locations. Acquiring and leveraging these properties is essential to coming out on top, making them the most coveted assets on the board. I love that the properties are hollow, and we put money inside.

The original Trump: The Game is a fascinating snapshot of 1980s board game design, complete with bold branding, flashy components, and a theme that screams ambition. Whether you’re a collector, a fan of vintage games, or just curious about its unique place in board game history, unboxing this classic feels like uncovering a time capsule from a bold and brash era.

Stay tuned for a post in the next few days, where I’ll dive into the gameplay itself and share how it felt to negotiate, bid, and wheel-and-deal my way through the world of Trump: The Game. Until then, keep gaming, keep exploring, and may your deals always be in your favor!