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Kremlin (1986) Board Game

ByMichail

Kremlin is a board game released in 1986 by designer Urs Hostettler and published by The Avalon Hill Game Co. It falls under the negotiation and political category, where players take on the roles of members of the Soviet Politburo vying for power and influence.

Game Components of Kremlin

  • Game board
  • 12 Politburo cards
  • 12 Party cards
  • 6 Power cards
  • 6 Player mats

    • How To Setup Kremlin

  • Place the game board in the center of the table.
  • Shuffle the Politburo, Party, and Power cards separately.
  • Each player picks a color and receives the corresponding player mat.
  • Each player is given a random Politburo card.
  • Determine turn order and begin the game.

    • Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Players aim to accumulate the most influence points to win the game. This is achieved through various actions such as manipulating the Party cards, assassinating opponents, and strategically placing influence markers on the board. The game is divided into three main phases: Party Congress, Party Leadership, and Party Faction.

    Player Experience

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    Pros:

  • Engaging negotiation and political strategy.
  • Historical theme adds depth to gameplay.
  • Replayability with different player counts.

    • #

    Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for new players.
  • Can be lengthy with full player count.
  • Some luck elements with card draws.

    • Personal Thoughts on Kremlin

    Kremlin is a deep and immersive game that offers a unique experience in negotiation and political strategy. The build quality is sturdy, and the artwork is thematic and engaging. The game is well-priced for the amount of content it offers, but availability may vary for new copies.

    For fans of negotiation and political games, Kremlin is definitely worth your time. It is best suited for players who enjoy strategic thinking and player interaction. Those who prefer faster-paced games or lighter themes may want to skip this one. Alternatives like Junta or Twilight Struggle offer similar experiences for those looking to explore different options in the genre.

    Game Components of Kremlin

  • Rules with biographies of Soviet politicians
  • Dice
  • Influence counters
  • Deck of Intrigue cards
  • Mounted gameboard
  • Politician cards, each with real-life ages and stress factors

    How To Setup Kremlin

    To set up Kremlin, players start by distributing the politician cards, each representing a figure within the Soviet Union’s political hierarchy. Each player secretly assigns influence to these politicians, who may or may not currently hold important offices. The gameboard is set up with the various offices such as the Party Chief, KGB, Foreign Minister, and Defense Minister. Players also receive a set of Intrigue cards and influence counters.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Secret Influence: Players assign secret influence to politicians.
  • Public Declarations: Influence must be publicly declared to use the levers of power.
  • Politician Health: Politicians’ health is checked turn-by-turn based on their age and stress.
  • Office Powers: Each office has unique abilities, such as the Party Chief rearranging politicians or the KGB sending politicians to Siberia.

    Game Objective

  • The objective is to control the Soviet Union by manipulating politicians and offices.
  • A player wins by having their influenced Party Chief wave at the May Day Parade three times.

    Player Experience

    In Kremlin, players are immersed in a complex web of political maneuvering, where secrecy and strategic timing are key. The game is renowned for its depth and complexity, making it a cult classic among board game enthusiasts. Players must balance the risks of declaring influence against the potential rewards, all while managing the health and stability of their supported politicians.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy: The game offers a rich and complex strategic experience.
  • High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and variable politician setups ensure each game is unique.
  • Historical Theme: The game provides a fascinating, albeit somewhat satirical, look at Soviet politics.
  • Social Interaction: Players must negotiate and outmaneuver each other.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate mechanics.
  • Lengthy Gameplay: Games can last between 75 to 120 minutes.
  • Luck Factor: Health checks and Intrigue cards introduce elements of chance.

    Personal Thoughts on Kremlin

    Kremlin is for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong social interaction component. It is ideal for those interested in historical themes, particularly those curious about the inner workings of the Soviet Union’s political apparatus. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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