A board game titled "KREMLIN" bearing the subtitle "The Classic Game of Intrigue & Russian Politics", with illustrations of four figures on the cover art, displayed against a red and brown background with the logo of "Jolly Roger Games" on the bottom right corner.
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Kremlin (1986)

ByMichail

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

The game consists of a large number of politician cards, some of which form the first Politburo. It also includes a board representing the Kremlin, Moscow, and other Soviet cities, as well as various tokens and markers to track players’ progress and actions.

Game Setup of Kremlin

Kremlin is a game for 3-6 players, who compete to control the Soviet Union without knowing exactly who influences the politicians in office currently. The game is set in the 1920s and uses historical politicians as well as fictional politicians.

Gameplay Mechanics of Kremlin

In Kremlin, players represent different factions within the Soviet Union, and the goal is to control the Communist Party and influence the Politburo. The game involves political intrigue, backstabbing, and deal-making, as players try to gain power and influence within the Soviet government.

Game Objective of Kremlin

The objective of Kremlin is to control the Soviet Union and its government, specifically the Communist Party and the Politburo. Players must navigate the complex political landscape, forming alliances and making deals to gain power and influence.

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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