| | | | | | |

Kremlin (Third Edition) (2014) Board Game

ByMichail

Kremlin is a board game that first debuted in 1986 and has since had multiple editions released. The third edition, released in 2014, was designed by Urs Hostettler and published by The Dietz Foundation. The game is set in the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, where players take on the roles of members of the Politburo trying to gain power and influence within the government.

Game Components of Kremlin

  • Rules: Includes biographies of Soviet politicians.
  • Dice**
  • Influence counters**
  • Deck of Intrigue cards**
  • Mounted gameboard**
  • Politician cards: Depicting caricatures of Soviet politicians, both fictional and historical.

    How To Setup Kremlin

    To set up Kremlin, players first arrange the politician cards in a pyramid on the game board, representing the hierarchy of power within the Soviet government. Each player secretly assigns influence to these politicians. The game components, including the influence counters, dice, and Intrigue cards, are then distributed according to the rules. The game board is set up to display the various offices such as the Party Chief, KGB, Foreign Minister, and Defense Minister.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Hand Management: Players manage their influence counters and Intrigue cards.
  • Secret Unit Deployment: Players secretly assign influence to politicians.
  • Voting: Used in the KGB trials and Defense Ministry’s Spy Investigations.

    Game Objective

  • The objective is to control the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
  • Players aim to have their politician wave three times at the May Day Parade, or if this is not feasible, to have the highest-ranking politician at the end of the 11th turn.
  • Key actions include promoting, demoting, and exiling politicians through the KGB trials and Defense Ministry investigations.

    Player Experience

    Playing Kremlin is an engaging and strategic experience filled with bluffing, negotiation, and humor. Players must navigate the intricate web of Soviet bureaucracy, using their influence and Intrigue cards to outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s theme of Soviet power politics adds a unique layer of satire, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme: A satirical take on Soviet power struggles.
  • Strategic Depth: Combines bluffing, negotiation, and hand management.
  • Replayability: Multiple scenarios and versions (original, Revolution, modern USSR) offer varied gameplay experiences.
  • High Production Quality: Updated art and components in the style of 1930s Soviet poster propaganda.

    Cons

  • Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the intricate gameplay mechanics.
  • Length: Games can take up to 90 minutes, which may not be suitable for all players.
  • Error in Jolly Roger Edition: The game board has an error where the game’s name covers part of the graphics and text.

    Personal Thoughts on Kremlin

    Kremlin is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong social interaction element. It is perfect for those fascinated by history, politics, and satire. The game’s complexity makes it more suitable for experienced board game players, but its unique theme and engaging mechanics make it a standout in any collection. If you’re looking for a game that challenges you to navigate the treacherous waters of Soviet politics while having a good laugh, Kremlin is an excellent choice.

    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. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *