Kremlin (1986) – Board Game Guys

Kremlin

“Kremlin” is a board game that satirizes power struggles within the pre-glasnost Soviet Union government of the 1980s. The game takes its name from the Kremlin in Moscow, which was the location associated with the central Soviet government offices. The original German-language edition was designed by Urs Hostettler and released in 1986 by the Swiss board game company Fata Morgana Spiele. An English translation of the game with slightly modified rules was published by Avalon Hill in 1988. Kremlin won a 1988 Origins Award for Best Boardgame Covering the Period 1900-1946.

Why is Kremlin Popular?

Kremlin is popular and significant because it provides a humorous and satirical perspective on the Soviet era, allowing players to look back on the past and put it in context through laughter. The game’s humor is described as gallows humor, as it pokes fun at the corruption and treachery within the Soviet bureaucracy. Although the game is set in the Soviet Union, its satire is not constrained by its ties to the past or to one political superpower, making it relevant to any corrupt and treacherous bureaucracy populated by ambitious old men.

Game Components of Kremlin

Politician cards depicting caricatures of Soviet politicians

Game board featuring a pyramid hierarchy of power

Influence counters

Deck of Intrigue cards

Dice

Mounted gameboard

Rules with biographies of Soviet politicians.

How To Setup Kremlin

To set up Kremlin, players start by arranging the politician cards in a pyramid on the game board, representing the hierarchy of power within the Soviet Politburo. Each player selects a set of politician cards to begin with. The game components, including influence counters and Intrigue cards, are distributed according to the rules. The setup ensures a balanced start for all players, ready to navigate the complex web of Soviet politics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Promotion and Demotion: Players promote, demote, and exile politicians to maneuver their own to the top of the pyramid.

Influence and Control: Players secretly assign influence to politicians, which can be publicly declared to use their powers.

Health and Aging: Politicians age and have a chance to die each year, affecting the game dynamics.

Key Offices: The Party Chief can rearrange politicians and wave at the May Day Parade. The KGB can send politicians to Siberia, the Foreign Minister controls nominations for the Party Chief, and the Defense Minister investigates politicians.

Winning Condition: A player wins by having their politician wave three times during non-consecutive years, or by having the highest-ranking politician at the end of the 11th turn if no player achieves the wave condition.

Player Experience

Playing Kremlin is an immersive experience of backroom politics and strategic maneuvering. Players must balance the need to secretly influence politicians with the risk of losing that influence if the politician is exiled or dies. The game encourages cunning and strategic thinking, as players navigate the intricate hierarchy and power dynamics of the Soviet Politburo. Reviews praise the game for its fun and engaging gameplay, despite its complex rules.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Kremlin offers a unique blend of strategy and intrigue.

High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and random events ensure each game is different.

Satirical Humor: The game uses gallows humor to poke fun at Soviet politics.

Awards and Recognition: Won the 1988 Origins Award for Best Boardgame Covering the Period 1900-1946 and was a Spiel des Jahres Recommended Pick in 1987.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate mechanics.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can take between 75-120 minutes to complete.

Age and Health Mechanics: Some players might find the aging and death mechanics too random or frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Kremlin

Kremlin is for those who enjoy strategic games with a strong thematic element and a dash of humor. It is ideal for players who appreciate complex gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. This game is particularly suited for fans of political satire and those interested in the historical context of the Soviet Union. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers, Kremlin is a cult classic that offers a rich and engaging experience for those who delve into it.

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