Save the President (1980) – Board Game Guys

Save the President

“Save the President” is a board game published by Games for Pleasure Ltd. in 1980. The game is played by two teams, with one team acting as the assassins and the other team acting as the president’s security detail. The game is set during the president’s inauguration, and the assassins try to intercept and terminate the president as he travels from the White House to the Capitol.

Why is Save the President Popular?

There is no information available on Why is Save the President Popular?.

Game Components of Save the President

23″ x 20″ game board

6 ID cards

48 agent counters (8 agents x 6 colors)

Counters for American and Russian Presidents (both wounded and unwounded)

104 Tradecraft cards

8 route control cards

6 Data sheets

Rule sheet

2 six-sided dice

How To Setup Save the President

To set up the game, each player receives a facedown ID card that reveals their affiliation with either the American or Russian government. The game board represents the route between the White House and the Capitol, with the motorcade’s path randomly determined. Players place their agents on the board according to their chosen colors.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Secret Roles: Players’ affiliations are kept secret until the end of the game.

Area Control: Players maneuver their agents to either set up an ambush or prevent one.

Dice Rolling: Determines the success of ambush attempts.

Objectives:
– Russian players aim to wound or kill the President-elect.
– American players aim to ensure the President-elect’s safety until the motorcade reaches the Capitol.
– Points are awarded for successful actions and capturing enemy agents.

Player Experience

**Save the President** offers a dynamic and suspenseful experience, with players engaging in a mix of bluffing, strategy, and chance. The game requires players to negotiate and make tactical decisions to achieve their objectives. The inclusion of data pamphlets for each player aids in the gameplay, making it more immersive.

Pros

Engaging Premise: The game’s concept of undercover agents and motorcade security is intriguing.

Strategic Depth: Combines bluffing, area control, and resource management.

Replay Value: Randomized motorcade routes and secret roles ensure varied gameplay.

Cons

Component Quality: Reviewers noted less-than-professional quality of the components.

Complexity: The game’s setup and rules can be somewhat complex.

Personal Thoughts on Save the President

**Save the President** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong element of bluffing and negotiation. It is suited for those interested in espionage and tactical gameplay, particularly in a Cold War context. While it may not live up to its designer’s extravagant claims, it provides a diverting and challenging experience for fans of strategy board games.

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