Overview
The game was originally published in the 2005. Twilight Struggle board game is played among two players. Since the game has a cold war theme, players will contest each other as the Soviet Union and the United States of America.
The objective is to contest their influence over the world map. The cards used for playing the game are related to historical events.
It is a historical game for those who enjoy warfare. The strategy-based game is ideal for the 13+ age group! We believe that age is just a number. No matter how old (or young) you are, the Twilight Struggle will enthrall you and keep you on your toes.
From the year 2010 to 2016, Twilight Struggle was the topmost favourite game on BoardGameGeek. In fact, the game has also been referred to as the best game on Planet Earth. Players will get enthralled by the stimulating gameplay.
Jason Matthews and Ananda Gupta originally designed the game. It started as a quick-playing game, but later another edition was released in the market. It was called the ‘Deluxe Edition’, which is what we have here.
The Objective of the Game
Everyone knows about the historical event – the Cold War. The constant warfare between the United States and the Soviet Union created a lot of havoc and misery. Although the game has an intriguing and controversial theme, the gameplay is not as complex. Two players are a part of the game, and their aim is to exert influence. The objective of the game is to contain your opponent or push them back.
Your goal is to gain as many victory points. The idea is to gain power/control over many countries. The opponent should have fewer victory points as compared to you.
It’s straightforward and easy!
Please note that the instances found in the board game are actual events that took place during the Cold War.
How to Play Twilight Struggle Game?
If you are planning to buy the game, think of it as a boxing match. At the beginning of the gameplay, you might start thinking that the Soviet Union is overwhelming the United States cards.
The Setup process:
Place the board in the middle and keep some space to keep the pile of cards.
Influence chips are to be placed on the board along with the VP tokens.
These should be kept right at the start. Then, each of the players will get eight cards from the ‘Early War’ deck.
Once you receive the hands, each of the players gets to add influence pieces on the game board (the one indicated on the card).
Who takes the first step? The first step is taken by the USSR player, followed by the US player.
To win the game, you must know how to start on a powerful note. Placing the influence chips, in the beginning, requires a planned strategy. If you are a USSR player, go for Turkey, Greece, Jordan, or Lebanon. It is ideal if the US player has domination in Israel. If the USSR player has domination over Iran, then the US player should be using Jordan or Lebanon to protect Israel.
Was that simple? If not, you can always refer to the rule book. You will get one rule book with the game, so don’t fight over it!
It generally takes 120-180 minutes (2-3hrs) to play the game.
Components of Twilight Struggle Deluxe Game
There are two editions available, the original and the Deluxe (2009). In this case, we stock the latest 2009 Deluxe edition.
- 260 counters (full colour)
- 22 inch x 34 inch mounted map (graphics have been revised)
- 110 event cards
- Two six-sided dice
- One rulebook
- Two-player aid cards (full colour)
The Takeaway
The Twilight Struggle board game is a fun way to teach your kids about the historical event. Perhaps this would make their history lessons easier. So, get familiar with the board and the rules of the game.
The goal is to get as many victory points! Invest in the board game and get your concepts of the cold war crystal clear.