An old book cover with the title "WHO CAN BEAT NIXON" in bold letters at the top, the date "1972" handwritten, and an illustration of an eagle perched on a question mark, with "PRESIDENTIAL SWEEPSTAKES" at the bottom. The cover has a vintage design, with blue, red, and black colors dominantly featuring stars and stripes motifs.
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Who Can Beat Nixon? (1970)

ByMichail

Who Can Beat Nixon?

“Who Can Beat Nixon?” is a board game published in 1970 that simulates the upcoming 1972 United States presidential election. The game has gained popularity due to its unique theme and engaging gameplay. Here is a Brief History and Background Information of Who Can Beat Nixon? about the game:

Publisher:

The game was published in 1970 by Harrison-Blain of N.J.

Designer:

The game was developed immediately after Nixon’s first election, and it seems that the designer wanted to prevent him from getting a second term.

Gameplay:

The game is a two-player tug of war, where one player takes on the role of the Nixon administration, and the other plays as the Washington Press. The goal of the Washington Press is to connect two witnesses by a chain of evidence to Nixon, while the Nixon player aims to build enough momentum to stay in office before that happens.

Gameplay Mechanics of Who Can Beat Nixon?:

The game uses a card-driven tug of war style mechanic, where players play cards to place witness markers on the board and collect evidence tokens. The editor places evidence face up, trying to create a connected path of evidence tokens between two face-up witnesses and Nixon, while the Nixon player places evidence tokens face down to stop the editor from connecting witnesses.

Game Objective of Who Can Beat Nixon?:

The game is won when the journalist connects at least two of the picture tiles on the board’s perimeter to the center picture of Nixon, or when Nixon successfully collects five red momentum tokens.

Game Components of Who Can Beat Nixon?

  • Game Board: Depicts a political landscape.
  • Dice: Two dice are included for determining movement.
  • Game Pieces: Various tokens representing different political candidates.
  • Box and Packaging: Original box, though some may have damage.

    How To Setup Who Can Beat Nixon?

    To set up the game, players need to place the game board in the middle of the playing area, distribute the game pieces among the players, and ensure each player has the necessary tokens and dice. The exact setup instructions may vary, but generally, it involves preparing the board and distributing the pieces evenly.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: The goal is to be the first candidate to win the presidential election by accumulating the most electoral votes.
  • Movement: Players roll the two dice to determine how many spaces they can move on their turn.
  • Strategy: Players must navigate through various political challenges and events on the board.
  • Electoral Votes: Collecting electoral votes is crucial to winning the game.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Who Can Beat Nixon?** offers a blend of strategy and luck, as players navigate the complexities of a presidential campaign. The game provides a unique historical context, reflecting the political climate of the early 1970s. Players need to balance their movement and decision-making to outmaneuver their opponents and secure the necessary electoral votes.

    Pros

  • Historical Significance: Provides a glimpse into the 1970 presidential election era.
  • Unique Theme: Combines politics and strategy in a board game setting.
  • Complete Sets Available: Many listings include all original pieces, making it a collector’s item.

    Cons

  • Condition Variability: The condition of the game, especially the box, can vary significantly.
  • Limited Replay Value: The game’s theme and mechanics may not appeal to modern gamers looking for more complex strategies.

    Personal Thoughts on Who Can Beat Nixon?

    **Who Can Beat Nixon?** is ideal for collectors of vintage board games, history enthusiasts, and those interested in the political landscape of the 1970s. It offers a nostalgic and educational experience, though it may not be as engaging for players seeking more contemporary game mechanics. This game is a unique piece of historical entertainment that can spark interesting discussions and reflections on past political events.

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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