Gandhi: The Decolonization of British India, 1917 – 1947 (2019) Board Game

Gandhi: The Decolonization of British India, 1917 – 1947 is a board game that focuses on the struggle for Indian independence led by Mahatma Gandhi during the years of British colonial rule. Players take on the roles of key figures in this historical period, navigating political, social, and military challenges to achieve the goal of decolonization.

Game Components of Gandhi: The Decolonization of British India, 1917 – 1947

Map: Represents the Indian subcontinent with area movement mechanics.

Event Cards: Drive the game’s flow and decisions.

Faction Pieces: Include Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, the British Raj, the Muslim League, and Revolutionary factions.

Nonviolent Activists: Immune from Raj actions until engaged in Protest.

Jail Box: Holds Nonviolent forces arrested during Raj Assault Operations.

Unity Track: Measures tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities.

Restraint Track: Measures the severity of the conflict in India.

British Viceroys: Provide unique capabilities to the Raj faction.

Independent Princely States: Serve as havens for insurgents.

Arjuna Bot System: Supports solitaire, 2-player, and 3-player games.

How To Setup Gandhi: The Decolonization of British India, 1917 – 1947

Setting up **Gandhi** involves a meticulous process due to its complexity. Players start by placing the map, setting up the various faction pieces, and shuffling the event cards. The game includes multiple components that need to be organized, such as the Unity and Restraint tracks, the Jail box, and the independent states. The initial setup requires careful reading of the rulebook, as the game is dense and detailed. It is advisable to read the rulebook multiple times to ensure a smooth setup and understanding of the game mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetric Factions: Each faction has unique objectives and operations, such as nonviolent protests, civil disobedience, and martial law.

Event Card Driven: The game is driven by event cards that determine player actions and decisions.

Turn Order Mechanism: Players queue up to take actions, with only two players able to act in each round.

Control of Provinces: The game revolves around controlling provinces based on unit presence and faction support.

Nonviolent Operations: Include Demonstrate, Civil Disobedience, Non-Cooperation, Negotiate, and Persuade.

Unity and Restraint Tracks: Influence the game’s dynamics and faction operations.

Bot System: Allows for solo, 2-player, and 3-player games using the Arjuna system.

Player Experience

**Gandhi** offers a deeply engaging and complex player experience, particularly appealing to those interested in historical and strategic gameplay. The game is renowned for its historical accuracy and the integration of nonviolent resistance mechanics, making it stand out in the wargame genre. Players must make intricate decisions based on event cards and weigh the benefits and risks of each action, which can be both challenging and rewarding. Despite its complexity, the game is highly replayable due to the diverse operations and victory conditions of each faction.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Deeply rooted in the historical context of India’s decolonization.

Unique Mechanics: Incorporates nonviolent resistance and asymmetric factions.

High Replayability: Diverse operations and victory conditions.

Engaging Gameplay: Complex decisions and strategic depth.

Solo and Multiplayer Options: Supported by the Arjuna bot system.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game is dense and requires multiple readings of the rulebook.

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players.

Time-Consuming: Games can last from 90 to 240 minutes.

Personal Thoughts on Gandhi: The Decolonization of British India, 1917 – 1947

**Gandhi** is a game tailored for enthusiasts of strategy and history, particularly those interested in the nuances of asymmetric gameplay and nonviolent resistance. It is not a game for the faint of heart due to its complexity, but for those willing to invest the time, it offers a rich and rewarding experience. The game’s ability to balance historical accuracy with engaging gameplay mechanics makes it a standout in the board game community. It is highly recommended for players seeking a deep, strategic, and historically immersive experience.

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