Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit (2000) Board Game

Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit is a board game released in 2000, designed by Clark Mitchell and published by Avalon Hill and Hasbro. The game is set during the climactic battle scene from Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, where the forces of Queen Amidala and the Trade Federation face off on the planet Naboo.

Game Components of Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit

Multiple boards representing different battlefields (Gungan battlefield, Anakin’s space adventure, the palace, and the duel of the fates)

Detailed miniatures (Gungan soldiers, Trade Federation droids, Queen Amidala, Captain Panaka, Jedi Knights, Darth Maul, Anakin Skywalker’s Naboo Starfighter)

Cards for resource management and actions

Tokens for tracking movement and morale

3D palace board

How To Setup Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit

Setup involves arranging the multiple boards, distributing the miniatures and tokens, and dealing the initial hand of cards to the players. The Gungan battlefield is set up with Gungan soldiers and Trade Federation droids. The palace board is assembled with Queen Amidala, her decoy, Captain Panaka, and Palace Security Forces. Anakin’s space adventure board is prepared with his Naboo Starfighter and droid swarms. The duel of the fates area is set up with Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Darth Maul.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The Naboo player aims to secure the throne room and protect Queen Amidala, while the Trade Federation player must overwhelm the Naboo forces and control the throne room.

Card Management: Players refresh their hand of cards each turn and choose which four cards to play in a specific order.

Resource Allocation: Resources are split between the Gungan battlefield, Anakin’s space adventure, the palace, and the duel of the fates.

Programmed Actions: Cards determine the sequence of actions, requiring players to plan several moves ahead.

Anakin’s Timer: Anakin’s progress through the space battle acts as a timer; if he reaches the end, all droids are removed from the battlefield.

Player Experience

This game offers a rich and strategic experience, requiring players to plan meticulously and manage resources effectively across multiple battlefields. The game’s complexity and the need to think several moves ahead make it appealing to fans of programming games like Robo Rally and Colt Express. The detailed miniatures and 3D palace board add to the thematic immersion.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Requires planning multiple moves ahead.

Thematic Immersion: Detailed miniatures and multiple boards create an immersive Star Wars experience.

Replayability: High due to the variable card draw and resource allocation.

Complexity: Appeals to fans of complex strategy games.

Cons

Availability: Long out of print and expensive to purchase online.

Setup Time: Can be time-consuming due to the multiple boards and components.

Learning Curve: Steep due to the complex mechanics and multiple battlefields.

Personal Thoughts on Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit

This game is perfect for fans of strategic board games and those who enjoy the Star Wars universe. It is particularly suited for players who relish the challenge of managing multiple fronts and planning ahead. Despite its high cost and limited availability, it is worth playing, especially for those who can access it through platforms like Tabletop Simulator on Steam. If you find it in a thrift shop or can make a good trade, it is highly recommended.

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.