Reiner Knizia’s auction game Modern Art has seen many editions and publishers over the years, each adding its flair while keeping the core gameplay intact. Two notable releases in 2017 were by CMON and Oink Games, each offering distinct approaches in terms of presentation, components, and usability. While CMON went for a larger, more lavish production aimed at showcasing art and giving the game a table presence, Oink stayed true to its brand identity with a compact, minimalist design that favors portability. Both editions retain the same fundamental mechanics but differ greatly in how they deliver the experience.
Modern Art’s journey to these two 2017 versions is worth noting. Oink had previously published a highly praised edition in 2011 called Stamps, which went out of print and became a collector’s item. In 2017, during Essen Spiel, Oink released a new German-language edition of Modern Art, distributed in limited quantities and packaged in the company’s signature small box format. CMON’s release in the same year took the opposite approach, offering a large box, vibrant art, and an art book section in the rulebook. With such different philosophies, the question becomes: which edition delivers the better experience for you?
Box Size and Box Cover
The difference in box size is one of the first things players notice. CMON’s box measures 9.8 x 9.8 x 2 inches (24.9 x 24.9 x 5.1 cm), which is roughly four times larger than Oink’s 5 x 4.3 x 1.4 inches (12.8 x 11 x 3.5 cm). The CMON cover features the striking “BOOM!” artwork by Rafael Silveira, immediately setting a loud and colorful tone. Oink’s cover, in contrast, follows its minimalist tradition—simple text with the game title and designer’s name, focusing on elegance rather than spectacle. This size difference has a direct impact on storage, table space, and portability.
Inside the Box
Opening CMON’s edition reveals several punch boards for tokens, neatly organized with a paper insert to keep everything in place. The Oink edition arrives with tokens pre-punched, loosely packed in the box without internal organization. While this speeds up setup, it also makes packing the components back into the compact box a bit tricky. The two versions also differ in their auctioneer markers—CMON uses a hammer token, while Oink includes a small wooden easel. The easel adds thematic charm, and some CMON owners may even choose to purchase one separately to enhance their copy.
Rulebook Differences
CMON’s rulebook stands out with its art book section, offering background information on the five featured artists and their work. This enriches the theme for players who enjoy learning about the real-world inspirations behind the game’s paintings. However, there are some noted errors in the CMON rulebook. The Oink edition’s rulebook is much smaller, contains no artist information, and is printed entirely in German, requiring non-German speakers to find or include an English translation. The difference reflects the publishers’ priorities: CMON leans toward thematic immersion, while Oink focuses on compact functionality.
Card Design and Details
Both editions use clear iconography at the top of the cards, with color borders to help distinguish artists. The Oink edition adds unique usability features—the number above the artist’s name indicates how many works by that artist are in the draw stack, and the dot below the name shows rarity. These additions enhance gameplay clarity. However, sleeving all the cards in the Oink edition and still fitting them in the box is nearly impossible due to the tight space. CMON’s larger cards make sleeving easier, but they lose some of the handy gameplay aids found in Oink’s version.
Player Screens
CMON’s player screens are significantly larger, allowing players to easily manage and hide their money tokens. Oink’s screens are small, making it more challenging to conceal tokens, especially given their small size. The back of Oink’s screens includes useful reference information such as the five auction types, the number of cards per season, and starting money amounts. This is convenient for quick rule checks during play, though non-German speakers will need a translation.
Game Board Design
The CMON board is visually busy, incorporating artwork in a way that blends with the token spaces, which can make it harder to read game states at a glance. Oink’s board is cleaner and more functional, prioritizing clarity of the current art values and round progression. While CMON’s board feels more like a gallery exhibit, Oink’s functions more like a clear scoreboard.
Money Tokens
Both editions use the same denominations for money. CMON uses tokens of the same size but different colors, while Oink varies both the size and color depending on the denomination. This makes Oink’s money easier to distinguish quickly, and the different sizes even allow for a playful stacking mini-game between rounds.
Both the CMON and Oink editions of Modern Art successfully deliver the core auction gameplay that makes the title a classic, but they cater to different priorities. CMON’s version offers a grand presentation with larger components, thematic extras like the art book, and a strong visual presence on the table. Oink’s version is a masterclass in compact design, prioritizing portability and efficiency, with thoughtful gameplay aids embedded in card and component design.
The choice between them ultimately comes down to player preference. If you value a deluxe experience, space for sleeved cards, and thematic immersion, CMON’s edition will likely appeal to you more. If you prize portability, minimalist aesthetics, and clever use of compact components, Oink’s edition delivers that in a small yet functional package. Both represent Modern Art well—one as a bold gallery showpiece, the other as a portable exhibition you can take anywhere.
While the physical components and presentation differences between the CMON and Oink editions are easy to compare side by side, the gameplay experience each one provides also varies due to their design choices. The core mechanics of Modern Art remain the same in both editions. Players act as art dealers, participating in a series of auctions to buy and sell paintings to earn the most money by the end of the game. However, the scale, layout, and usability of the components directly influence how players interact with the game. CMON’s large format creates a presence that encourages players to lean into the thematic element of being in a bustling auction hall. Oink’s smaller design fosters a more intimate atmosphere, making it easy to play in tight spaces and transport to game nights outside the home.
Set Up and Table Presence
Setting up the CMON edition requires more table space due to its large board, oversized cards, and player screens. While the extra space gives a luxurious feel, it can be impractical for smaller tables. The large tokens and cards are easy to handle, and the clear visual impact helps draw players into the game’s artistic theme. The Oink edition is designed for efficiency in setup, as the smaller board, compact cards, and mini player screens require very little table space. However, players may feel that the small tokens and screens make it slightly more difficult to manage their bids discreetly.
Handling and Comfort During Play
The tactile experience of handling the components plays a bigger role than many realize. In CMON’s edition, the large cards are easy to hold, shuffle, and display during auctions. The big player screens make hiding money effortless, and the hammer token adds a fun thematic detail to the role of the auctioneer. In contrast, Oink’s smaller cards and tokens require more careful handling, especially for players with larger hands. The wooden easel used to indicate the auctioneer in Oink’s edition adds a nice visual cue, but is purely functional. The smaller components can make passing cards and money slightly fiddly, but they also make the game far more portable.
Auction Atmosphere and Player Interaction
The essence of Modern Art lies in the lively auction dynamics. CMON’s edition, with its large and colorful board, detailed artwork, and room for dramatic gestures, amplifies the sense of competition. Players often find themselves speaking louder and leaning into their auctioneer roles more theatrically. The Oink edition offers a more subdued and personal interaction. The compact size means auctions happen quickly and players are physically closer together, which can lead to faster-paced bidding but slightly less theatrical energy. Both editions support the core mechanics equally well, but the size and presentation shape the social atmosphere of the game.
Learning Curve and Accessibility
Teaching Modern Art is straightforward, but the CMON edition’s large reference material in the rulebook and included artist bios provide additional thematic context for new players. The Oink edition’s rulebook is smaller and, in its 2017 version, limited to German, which requires either a translated reference sheet or prior knowledge of the game. The player aids in the Oink edition, printed on the back of the screens, are helpful for quick reference, though they also require translation for non-German speakers. In terms of accessibility for new players, CMON offers a more self-contained package, whereas Oink assumes players will bring their own familiarity or external references.
Portability and Storage
One of the most significant differences between the two editions is portability. The Oink edition can be slipped into a backpack, purse, or even a jacket pocket, making it perfect for travel or quick game sessions in cafés or on vacation. The CMON edition, while visually impressive, is not travel-friendly due to its size. Storage considerations also play a role—CMON’s edition requires a dedicated spot on a game shelf, whereas Oink’s can fit almost anywhere. For players with limited space or who enjoy carrying games to gatherings, Oink’s portability is a major advantage.
Component Durability
Both editions are well made, but there are differences in durability. CMON’s thicker cards and tokens are more resistant to wear and tear, especially if unsleeved. The Oink edition’s smaller components are of good quality but may show signs of use more quickly due to their size and the tight packing inside the box. Sleeving the cards in the Oink edition offers protection but comes at the cost of making them harder to fit back into the original packaging. CMON’s larger box easily accommodates sleeved cards and tokens without issue.
Player Count and Game Length
Both versions support the same player count and game length, generally playing best with four to five players and lasting around 45 to 60 minutes. However, the size and clarity of components can influence game speed. CMON’s larger display area allows all players to see auction cards from a distance, which can slightly speed up decision-making. In the Oink edition, players may occasionally need to pick up and inspect cards more closely, which can slow down the pace slightly, though the compact table layout keeps overall downtime minimal.
Immersion and Thematic Feel
The way each edition presents the artwork plays a key role in immersion. CMON’s oversized cards and vivid art reproduction create a gallery-like feel, drawing players into the idea of handling valuable art pieces. The inclusion of artist bios reinforces this atmosphere. Oink’s edition takes a more abstract approach, presenting the same gameplay with smaller cards and minimalist graphic design. The art is still clear and identifiable, but the experience leans more toward pure gameplay efficiency rather than thematic indulgence. Players who enjoy the feeling of being immersed in an art world may find CMON’s version more engaging, while those who prefer streamlined play may favor Oink’s approach.
Value for Money
From a purely financial perspective, Oink’s edition generally comes at a lower price point due to its smaller production scale and compact packaging. CMON’s edition commands a higher price, reflecting its larger components, deluxe presentation, and additional thematic material. Which edition offers better value depends largely on how much a player values presentation and extras versus portability and cost-effectiveness.
Practical Considerations for Different Player Types
Players who host game nights at home and enjoy table-filling, visually striking games will find CMON’s edition aligns with their preferences. It makes a strong visual statement, is easy for everyone at the table to see, and offers extra thematic touches that enhance the experience. On the other hand, players who prioritize portability, minimal storage requirements, and fast setup will appreciate the Oink edition. It is also a strong choice for those who frequently play games in public spaces or travel with their collection.
Component Customization Potential
An interesting aspect of both editions is the potential for customization. CMON’s larger format leaves more room for adding third-party accessories, such as acrylic tokens, upgraded easels, or custom play mats. Oink’s compact design limits the amount of customization that fits in the original box, but creative players sometimes replace the wooden easel with other thematic markers or store translated rule sheets in custom inserts. The ease of upgrading CMON’s edition appeals to players who enjoy personalizing their games, while Oink’s compactness appeals to minimalists who prefer everything self-contained.
Overall Experience
When comparing the two editions in actual gameplay sessions, it becomes clear that neither version is objectively better—they simply cater to different needs. CMON delivers a grand, immersive auction experience with a strong focus on presentation and ease of play for larger groups. Oink offers a lean, efficient version of the same game that sacrifices some visual impact for portability and quick play.
Choosing between the CMON and Oink editions of Modern Art comes down to personal priorities. If you want a luxurious, visually stunning version that feels like running a high-profile art auction, CMON’s edition will provide that satisfaction. If you prefer a practical, travel-friendly game you can easily take anywhere and set up in minutes, Oink’s edition delivers exactly that. Both stay true to the essence of Reiner Knizia’s design, offering the same tight, interactive auction gameplay that has made Modern Art a classic. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value table presence and thematic extras or compact efficiency and portability.
Modern Art, regardless of edition, is a game that rewards sharp observation, calculated risk-taking, and the ability to read your opponents. While the rules are simple, mastering the gameplay requires more than just knowing when to bid high or low. The CMON and Oink editions present the same core rules, but the differences in component size, layout, and presentation can subtly influence the strategies players use. Understanding these nuances is key to performing well in either version.
In both editions, players aim to profit by buying paintings for less than they will be worth at the end of a round or by selling paintings at high prices when demand is strong. This requires keeping track of which artists are in demand, how many paintings of each artist remain in the deck, and how your bids will affect future rounds. While these core strategies apply to both CMON and Oink, the physical aspects of each version can shape the flow of information and the pace of the auctions.
Reading the Table and Tracking Artists
A critical skill in Modern Art is tracking the number of paintings each artist has in circulation. In the CMON edition, the larger cards make it easy for players to see which artists are being sold from anywhere at the table, allowing for quick adjustments in bidding strategy. In Oink’s edition, the smaller cards may require players to physically lean in or ask for confirmation, which can create brief pauses that influence the rhythm of the game. Experienced players use these pauses to assess their opponents’ interest and gauge their confidence.
The Oink edition’s extra icons—showing the total number of paintings per artist in the deck and their rarity—offer strategic advantages to players who use that information well. In the CMON edition, this tracking relies on memory or personal notes. For players who enjoy statistical analysis and precise tracking, Oink’s added information can provide a significant edge.
Managing the Auction Types
Modern Art features different auction formats, each requiring a unique approach. In both editions, knowing how to exploit these formats is essential. For instance, in a fixed-price auction, setting the price just high enough to tempt others without scaring them away can secure you a strong profit. In an open auction, you must balance your bids against the perceived value of the card while reading the room to see who might push the price higher.
CMON’s larger player screens and tokens allow for easier handling of bids and faster adjustments, which is particularly useful in fast-paced open auctions. Oink’s smaller tokens and screens can make quick bidding more challenging, so players in that edition may rely more on verbal pacing to control the auction’s tempo.
Timing Your Sales for Maximum Impact
In Modern Art, the timing of when you sell a painting can be as important as the price you get for it. Selling an artist’s work early in the round can set the tone for their demand, while holding onto a painting until others have driven up its value can lead to huge profits. CMON’s larger board and more visible score tracking help players plan this timing with a clear view of the market. In Oink’s edition, the cleaner, more minimal board design makes it easier to focus solely on the game’s numerical data, which some players prefer for precision planning.
Bluffing and Misdirection
Part of the fun in Modern Art comes from bluffing your opponents into thinking a certain artist will be in high demand, only to pull back support later in the round. In both editions, this requires skillful manipulation of bids and careful selection of which paintings to sell. CMON’s visual spectacle can help sell a bluff more convincingly, as the large, colorful cards create a stronger visual signal. In Oink’s edition, where the table presence is subtler, bluffing often relies more on vocal cues and bidding behavior.
Adapting to Different Player Personalities
Every group of players brings its dynamic to Modern Art. Some groups are aggressive bidders, while others are cautious and analytical. The CMON edition tends to amplify theatrical playstyles because of its large components and strong table presence, encouraging players to act out their auctioneer roles. Oink’s edition suits more low-key groups who prefer rapid, efficient play with minimal distractions. Understanding your group’s style allows you to adjust your approach—whether that means taking risks to match aggressive opponents or playing conservatively to exploit cautious ones.
Strategic Considerations for Portability
Portability might seem unrelated to strategy, but it can influence the way you approach the game. Because Oink’s edition can be played anywhere, it often appears in casual settings like cafés, travel lounges, or outdoor gatherings. In these environments, players might be more relaxed and less focused on deep strategic play, giving an opportunity for a well-prepared player to dominate. CMON’s edition, typically played in more formal settings like a dedicated game night, often results in more competitive matches, where every player is fully engaged and attentive.
Long-Term Replayability
Modern Art offers high replayability due to the variable nature of the auctions and shifting artist demand. In CMON’s edition, the combination of large, vibrant art and the included artist biographies adds thematic variety that can keep players coming back. Oink’s edition, with its quick setup and portability, encourages frequent play simply because it is so easy to bring to the table. Strategic players can benefit from repeated plays in either edition by learning the tendencies of their opponents and refining their auction timing.
Teaching New Players
Introducing Modern Art to new players requires balancing the explanation of the rules with giving them space to learn through play. CMON’s edition, with its larger visuals and clear reference materials, often makes teaching easier, as players can quickly grasp the auction formats and track the game state from anywhere at the table. Oink’s edition may require a more hands-on teaching approach, especially if players need translations or visual aids for the smaller components. However, once learned, Oink’s version flows just as smoothly as CMON’s, with the added benefit of fitting into shorter game sessions.
Community and Competitive Play
Although Modern Art is not typically played as a formal tournament game, it has a dedicated fan base that enjoys playing competitively. CMON’s edition, with its emphasis on visual presentation, is often favored for public events or demonstrations where attracting attention is important. Oink’s edition finds its niche among competitive players who prioritize portability, often carrying it to multiple venues in a single day. Both editions allow for deep strategic play, and the choice between them often comes down to the context in which the game will be played.
The Role of Aesthetics in Strategy
While strategy is rooted in numbers and probabilities, aesthetics can influence decision-making in subtle ways. The larger, more detailed art in CMON’s edition can create stronger emotional reactions to certain paintings, making players more inclined to bid higher or invest in a particular artist. Oink’s minimalist presentation reduces these emotional influences, leading to a more numbers-driven style of play. Strategic players can use this to their advantage by recognizing when opponents are being swayed by presentation rather than cold calculation.
Final Considerations for Choosing an Edition
Selecting between the CMON and Oink editions of Modern Art ultimately depends on your priorities as a player or group. If you value large, visually striking components, thematic extras like artist biographies, and a deluxe table presence, CMON’s edition is likely to satisfy your needs. If you prefer portability, quick setup, and clever use of compact space without sacrificing gameplay depth, Oink’s edition is the better choice. Both editions retain the timeless design of Reiner Knizia’s auction mechanics, ensuring that whichever you choose, you will experience the same core strategic challenges.
Conclusion
Modern Art remains one of the most engaging and skill-testing auction games available, and the 2017 editions from CMON and Oink Games both honor its legacy in unique ways. CMON’s edition stands as a showcase piece, perfect for game nights where presentation and immersion matter as much as gameplay. Its large components, striking visuals, and thematic extras create an atmosphere that can turn a simple auction into a theatrical event. Oink’s edition, by contrast, distills the game into its most efficient form, delivering the same competitive depth in a compact, travel-friendly package that can be enjoyed anywhere.
For players who thrive on spectacle, love showcasing games to friends, and enjoy the immersive feel of handling large, beautifully produced components, CMON offers an experience that elevates Modern Art into a gallery-worthy event. For those who value practicality, portability, and the ability to bring high-quality gameplay to any setting, Oink provides a solution that is as efficient as it is charming.
No matter which edition you choose, the essence of Modern Art remains the same: a finely tuned balance of economic calculation, psychological play, and social interaction. The decision between CMON and Oink is less about which is better overall and more about which best fits your style, space, and gaming lifestyle. Both editions are worthy additions to any board game collection, and either one will deliver the tense, rewarding experience that has kept Modern Art relevant for decades.