Watergate (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Watergate is a two-player card-driven board game that is based on the infamous political scandal that took place in the United States in the 1970s. Players take on the roles of either the Nixon administration or the Washington Post journalists, trying to either cover up the scandal or expose the truth.

Game Components of Watergate

1 Game board

17 Evidence tokens

89 poker-sized cards

31 wooden tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Watergate

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the evidence tokens and place them face down on the board.

Separate the cards into two decks and place them within reach of both players.

Each player chooses a side to play as – Nixon or the Washington Post.

Follow the setup instructions in the rulebook to place starting tokens and cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The gameplay of Watergate revolves around players using cards to gain evidence or momentum in their favor. Players must carefully manage their hand of cards to either reveal evidence as the journalists or thwart the investigation as the Nixon administration. The game ends when one side has enough evidence to prove their case.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging and thematic gameplay

Strategic depth in hand management

Quick playtime

Easy to learn rules

Cons:

Limited replayability

Some cards may feel unbalanced

Theme may not appeal to all players

Personal Thoughts on Watergate

Watergate is a well-crafted game that captures the tension and intrigue of the political scandal it is based on. The game components are of high quality, and the artwork is evocative of the time period. While the game may not have as much replay value as other board games, it is still a worthwhile addition to any collection. The pricing for the game is reasonable, and it is readily available both new and used.

For fans of card-driven games and political intrigue, Watergate is definitely worth your time. It is a game that offers a unique and immersive experience, suitable for players aged 12 and up. Those who enjoy games with a historical or political theme will find Watergate to be a compelling choice. However, players who prefer more complex or strategic games may want to skip this one in favor of other options.

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