Pax Pamir (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pax Pamir is a board game that was released in 2015 and designed by Sir John Tenniel and Cole Wehrle. It is set in 19th century Afghanistan and Central Asia, during the time of the Great Game, a period of political and diplomatic tension between the British Empire and the Russian Empire. Players take on the roles of Afghan tribal leaders, vying for power and influence in the region.

Game Components of Pax Pamir

Map of Central Asia: Divided into six areas spanning from the Caspian Sea to northern Afghanistan and the Punjab.

Market Cards: Arranged in six columns, representing troops, spies, economic incentives, and events.

Player Tableaus (Courts): Each player has their own court where cards are played.

Game Pieces: Cylinders for spies and local tribes, blocks for imperial power (armies and roads).

Coins: Used for purchasing cards and managing the market.

Dominance Check Cards: Trigger evaluations of coalition dominance.

How To Setup Pax Pamir

Setting up Pax Pamir involves preparing the map of Central Asia, shuffling and arranging the market cards, and distributing initial coins and cards to each player. Each player starts with an equal amount of capital and power. The market is set up with cards in six columns, each column representing different costs and types of cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tableau Building: Players purchase cards from the market and add them to their court.

Area Control: Players place game pieces (cylinders and blocks) on the map to exert influence and control.

Coalition Formation: Players align with one of three coalitions (British, Russian, Durrani) to gain victory points.

Dominance Checks: Special cards trigger evaluations of coalition dominance, awarding victory points based on coalition or personal power.

Hand Management: Players manage their cards to optimize actions and strategies.

Objective: The game ends when a player achieves a lead of four or more victory points or after the fourth and final Dominance Check.

Player Experience

Playing Pax Pamir is a complex and dynamic experience. Players must balance building their own power base with aligning with and potentially betraying coalitions. The game requires strategic thinking, as players need to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and make opportunistic decisions. Each game session tells a unique tale, with intense rounds and no random elements or dice for conflict resolution.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game delves into the intricate history of “The Great Game” with detailed historical figures and events.

Strategic Complexity: Offers deep strategic gameplay with multiple paths to victory.

Dynamic Gameplay: Each session is unique, with the ability to switch coalitions and adapt strategies.

High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and the dynamic nature of the game ensure high replay value.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game has complex rules and mechanics that can be challenging to learn.

Lengthy Sessions: Games can last between 45 to 120 minutes.

Limited Accessibility: The game’s theme and mechanics may be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Pax Pamir

Pax Pamir is for players who enjoy complex strategy games with a strong historical context. It is ideal for those who appreciate tableau building, area control, and political maneuvering. The game rewards players who can adapt quickly and make opportunistic decisions, making it a great fit for experienced gamers looking for a challenging and immersive experience. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those new to complex board games due to its steep learning curve and lengthy game sessions.

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