Mr. President (1967) Board Game

Mr. President is a political card game that was released in in 1967. Designed for 2-4 players, the game is focused on hand management and strategic decision-making. Players take on the role of presidential candidates, trying to win the support of voters and ultimately become the President of the United States.

Game Components of Mr. President

Candidate Cards: Representing various fictional candidates with strengths and weaknesses in fields like campaigning, fundraising, and press support.

State Cards: For each state, where players earn and bank votes.

Dice: Used for determining various outcomes.

Undecided Envelope: Contains cards that players draw to make decisions.

Advanced Play Rules: Covering nominations, advertising, fund-raising, debates, and incumbent candidates.

Game Board: Represents the United States with electoral votes for each state.

How To Setup Mr. President

To set up the game, players first choose their candidates for President and Vice President from the available candidate cards. In a two-player game, one player represents the Republican Party and the other the Democratic Party. For 3- or 4-player games, two players choose Presidential candidates, while the others choose Vice Presidential candidates. Players then place their candidate tokens on the board and prepare the state and undecided cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Candidate Selection: Players choose candidates based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Campaigning: Players decide which states to campaign in and how to invest time and energy.

Earning Votes: Players earn and bank votes in each state.

Advanced Rules: Include nominations, advertising, fundraising, debates, and incumbent candidates.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the winning number of Electoral College votes by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Playing **Mr. President** involves strategic decision-making and psychological elements, as players try to outguess each other based on past games. The game simulates the frustrations and challenges real candidates face, such as managing resources, making tactical decisions, and dealing with unexpected events. Players must adapt their strategies as the game progresses, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Realistic Simulation: Provides a realistic reenactment of presidential campaign events.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to make complex decisions about resource management and campaign strategy.

Replayability: Encourages repeated play to master different strategies and outmaneuver opponents.

Educational Value: Serves as an excellent refresher course on politics and the electoral process.

Cons

Dated Mechanics: Some aspects, like electoral vote totals, are outdated.

Complexity: Can be complex for new players, especially with the advanced rules.

Limited Roles: In 3- or 4-player games, Vice Presidential candidates have no chance of winning.

Personal Thoughts on Mr. President

**Mr. President** is ideal for those interested in politics, strategy, and historical context. It is a great game for teenagers and adults looking to understand the intricacies of presidential campaigns. While it may seem dated in some respects, the game’s core mechanics and strategic depth remain relevant, making it a fascinating piece of gaming history. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a simple, quick game, as it requires commitment and strategic thinking.

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.