Avignon: A Clash of Popes (2016) Board Game

Avignon: A Clash of Popes is a two-player card game set in the medieval city of Avignon, France. In the game, players take on the roles of rival popes competing for influence and control over influential figures in the city. The game is designed by John du Bois and published by Button Shy, known for their compact and strategic card games.

Game Components of Avignon: A Clash of Popes

Cards: The game consists of 18 cards, featuring characters such as Cardinals, Nobles, Knights, and Peasants, each with unique powers.

Rulebook: A concise guide to the game’s rules and setup.

Box: A small, portable package that can be easily carried.

How To Setup Avignon: A Clash of Popes

To set up the game, players simply shuffle the deck and deal the cards between them. The objective is clear from the start: each player aims to recruit three characters to their side. The cards are placed in a way that allows both players to see them, though the game can be somewhat tricky due to the single-sided nature of the cards, which may require rotation to read properly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Actions: Each turn, players can pull a card towards themselves, push a card towards their opponent, swap a card with one from the deck, or use the special ability of a card.

Character Abilities: Cards have unique powers, such as the Noble who provides a new victory condition if a Knight or Peasant is already recruited.

Win Condition: The first player to get three characters into their congregation wins the game.

Game Length: Games typically last 15-20 minutes.

Player Experience

Playing Avignon: A Clash of Popes is a swift and engaging experience. The game requires strategic thinking and timely use of the characters’ abilities. The interaction between the cards can lead to interesting combos and sudden turns in the game, keeping players on their toes. However, the initial learning curve can be steep due to the iconography and the need to adjust to the card orientation.

Pros

Portability: The game is very compact and can be played almost anywhere.

Quick Games: Matches are short, lasting only 15-20 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers significant strategic depth through the unique abilities of the characters.

Thematic Appeal: It’s a clever take on the historical conflict of the Avignon Papacy.

Cons

Iconography Issues: The use of icons can be confusing for some players, especially in the early games.

Card Orientation: The single-sided cards can make it difficult for players to read them without disrupting the game state.

Limited Player Interaction: Some moves can simply reverse the previous action, leading to a sense of stagnation.

Personal Thoughts on Avignon: A Clash of Popes

Avignon: A Clash of Popes is ideal for fans of two-player abstract strategy games who enjoy influence and control mechanics. It’s a great addition to any collection of wallet games due to its compact size and quick gameplay. The game’s thematic appeal, particularly for those interested in Catholic history, adds a unique layer of engagement. While it may take a few games to get accustomed to the iconography and card mechanics, the game offers a lot of strategy and replayability, making it well worth the investment.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.