They say that politics makes for strange bedfellows. These political board games and card games make for some good times. They are my picks for the best political games. (I have also posted an article featuring many other political-themed games.
1. 1960: The Making of the President
Image courtesy of Z-Man Games
For 2 players, ages 12 and up. Designed by Christian Leonhard and Jason Matthews, published by Z-Man Games.
The 1960 U.S. presidential election was a contest between two dramatically different personalities: John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon. Kennedy won the real-life election, but this brilliant game allows players to recreate the contest. Everything about this game is top-notch. The gameplay is superb, while the components perfectly evoke the feeling of a mid-20th century election. 1960: The Making of the President takes 90 to 120 minutes per game.
The 1960 U.S. presidential election was a contest between two dramatically different personalities: John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon. Kennedy won the real-life election, but this brilliant game allows players to recreate the contest. Everything about this game is top-notch. The gameplay is superb, while the components perfectly evoke the feeling of a mid-20th century election. 1960: The Making of the President takes 90 to 120 minutes per game.
2. Die Macher
Image courtesy of Valley Games
For 3 to 5 players, ages 14 and up. Designed by Karl-Heinz Schmiel, published by Valley Games.
Seven regional political races in Germany, followed by the general election, to determine who will set policy for the next four years. Players have their party's philosophy, poll results, the ability to influence the media, and other tools at their disposal. I'm not alone in thinking this is a great political game -- it's rated in the top 25 games of all-time at Boardgamegeek.com. Die Macher takes about 240 minutes (four hours) per game.
Seven regional political races in Germany, followed by the general election, to determine who will set policy for the next four years. Players have their party's philosophy, poll results, the ability to influence the media, and other tools at their disposal. I'm not alone in thinking this is a great political game -- it's rated in the top 25 games of all-time at Boardgamegeek.com. Die Macher takes about 240 minutes (four hours) per game.
3. Twilight Struggle
Image courtesy of GMT Games
For 2 players, ages 14 and up. Designed by Ananda Gupta and Jason Matthews, published by GMT Games.
4. Campaign Manager 2008
Image courtesy of Z-Man Games
For 2 players, ages 10 and up. Designed by Christian Leonhard and Jason Matthews, published by Z-Man Games.
5. Quo Vadis?
For 3 to 5 players, ages 12 and up. Designed by Reiner Knizia, published by Mayfair Games.Who can best influence outcomes in the Roman Senate? The answer to that question will determine the winner of this game. You try to maneuver your politicians through the committee structure and into the best positions. But along the way, you have to help other players because that's how you win all-important prestige points. Quo Vadis? takes about 45 minutes per game.
6. Junta
Image courtesy of West End Games
For 2 to 7 players, ages 12 and up. Designed by Eric Goldberg, Vincent Tsao and Ben Grossman, published by West End Games.
Politics is never more dangerous than it is in the Republica of Los Bananas. Players first elect El Presidente, who then proposes a budget that everyone must vote on. Watch your back -- someone is always plotting a coup, and assasination attempts are common. Junta takes about 240 minutes (four hours) per game.
Politics is never more dangerous than it is in the Republica of Los Bananas. Players first elect El Presidente, who then proposes a budget that everyone must vote on. Watch your back -- someone is always plotting a coup, and assasination attempts are common. Junta takes about 240 minutes (four hours) per game.
7. Koalition
For 4 to 10 players, ages 12 and up. Designed by Hartmut Witt, published by Hexagames.This is a card game which involves elections in 12 European countries, with each player trying to obtain power in as many places as possible. Because there are so many political parties involved, winning with a simple majority is unusual. More often, you'll have to form coalitions. Koalition takes about 150 minutes (two and a half hours) per game.
