Risk board game set up on a table with the game board open, displaying a colorful map of the world's continents. Multiple translucent plastic containers with different colored pieces are arranged neatly beside the board. The game's box, dice, and cards, including mission cards, are also visible on the table.
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Risk (1959)

ByMichail

Risk

Risk is a strategy board game of diplomacy, conflict, and conquest for two to six players. It was invented in 1957 by Albert Lamorisse, a French filmmaker, and it became one of the most popular board games in history, inspiring other popular games such as Axis & Allies and Settlers of Catan. The game was initially called “La Conquête du Monde” (The Conquest of the World) and was published by Miro, a game manufacturer in France. Parker Brothers bought the rights to the game and published it with a few small changes as Risk in 1959.

Why is Risk Popular?

Risk is significant because it was the first popular game involving strategy, diplomacy, conflict, and conquest. The simple rules but complex interactions make it appealing to adults, children, and families. It is still in production by Hasbro with numerous editions and variants with popular media themes and different rules, including PC software versions, video games, and mobile apps.

Game Components of Risk

Game board depicting a political map of the world, divided into 42 territories, which are grouped into six continents. Army tokens of different colors representing the players’ armies. Dice for combat resolution. Cards for special actions and objectives in some versions.

Game Setup of Risk

Players choose their color and receive a set of army tokens. Territories are randomly assigned to players. Players place their army tokens on their territories.

Gameplay Mechanics of Risk

Turns rotate among players who control armies of playing pieces with which they attempt to capture territories from other players, with results determined by dice rolls. Players may form and dissolve alliances during the course of the game. There are various strategies for winning the game, special two-player rules, and optional rules to change the play.

Game Objective of Risk

The objective of the game is to occupy every territory on the board and eliminate all other players.

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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