| | | | | | |

The Golden Horde (1978)

ByMichail

The Golden Horde

The Golden Horde is a two-player combat board game that was published by Excalibre Games in 1978. It is a strategic wargame simulation of the Mongol hordes sweeping across Asia in conquest. The game was designed by Dennis O’Leary and R.J. Hlavnicka, with artwork by R.P. Winther. The game simulates the Mongol conquests of Asia and Europe in the first half of the 13th century. One player controls the Mongol side, and the other player controls their main opponents, called “the Allies,” which include Poles, Hungarians, Russians, Bulgars, Georgians, Alans, Kumans, people of Hsi-Hsia, Chinese, Kara-Khitans, people of the Khwarizmian Empire, and people of Sung.

Why is The Golden Horde Popular?

The Golden Horde is a unique subject matter and a fast-moving, easy-to-learn, fun game. It is a good buy for $4.00. However, the game is not as popular as other board games.

Game Components of The Golden Horde

  • 210 die-cut counters**
  • 22″ x 12″ two-color paper map** covering an area from Scandinavia to Vietnam
  • Cover sheet**
  • Four-page rulebook**
  • Errata sheet**
  • Ziplock bag for storage**
  • Six-sided die (not included)**

    How To Setup The Golden Horde

    Setup involves placing the map, distributing the counters according to the rulebook, and ensuring each player has the necessary components. The Mongol player sets up their units and war machines, while the Allied player distributes their forces across various homelands. The game requires careful placement of units to reflect the historical context of the Mongol invasions.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Combat and Movement: Each counter has two numbers representing combat strength and movement. Allied counters can stack two high, while Mongol counters can stack three high. Attacks are optional, and counters can move past opposing units without stopping.
  • Terrain Effects: Mountains double the defender’s strength, and rivers reduce the attacker’s strength by half. City sieges have a separate combat results table.
  • Unit Mobility: Only Polish and Hungarian units can move outside their regions; other Allied units are restricted to their home regions.
  • Mongol Leader and War Machines: The Mongol player can use a leader counter and four war machine counters to enhance attack odds.
  • Victory Conditions: The Mongol player wins if the number of conquered homelands outnumbers the remaining Mongol units. The Allied player wins if all Mongol units are destroyed.

    Player Experience

    The Golden Horde offers a fast-paced and straightforward gameplay experience. Players must strategize carefully, utilizing the unique movement and combat rules to their advantage. The game’s simplicity makes it easy to learn, but its depth ensures it remains engaging.

    Pros

  • Fast-Moving Gameplay: Quick turns and optional attacks keep the game moving.
  • Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.
  • Historical Context: The game provides a good introduction to the Mongol conquests.
  • Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, the game requires strategic thinking.

    Cons

  • Map Quality: The map, though accurate, has been criticized for being bland and lacking varied terrain.
  • Limited Unit Mobility: Restrictions on Allied unit movement can make the game feel less dynamic for the Allied player.

    Personal Thoughts on The Golden Horde

    The Golden Horde is ideal for fans of historical wargames and those interested in the Mongol conquests. It’s a great introduction to wargaming due to its straightforward rules and fast-paced gameplay. However, it may not satisfy players looking for highly detailed maps or complex gameplay mechanics. For collectors of vintage board games, this 1978 release is also a notable addition.

    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. 

    • 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