Kingmaker (board game)

Kingmaker is a historical board game published by Avalon Hill, originally released in 1974. Designed by Andrew McNeil, it simulates the Wars of the Roses, a period of English history marked by dynastic struggles between the Houses of Lancaster and York. Players control factions of nobles, each supporting a royal claimant, attempting to manipulate events and ultimately control the king or queen.

The game's core mechanics revolve around moving noble counters across a map of 15th-century England, representing geographical locations like cities, castles, and battlefields. Players utilize cards representing historical events, characters, and actions to influence battles, sieges, intrigues, and the political landscape. Key features include:

• Royal Heirs: The game includes specific counters representing the potential royal heirs, the main objectives to control. These heirs are fragile and often at risk of assassination or capture.
• Noble Factions: Players manage noble factions, each possessing unique characteristics and strengths. They use these factions to influence the royal court, wage war, and plot against rival players.
• Event Cards: A deck of event cards introduces historical events and opportunities that impact the game. These cards introduce both positive and negative situations that players must react to.
• Combat: Combat is resolved through a combination of dice rolls, leader modifiers, and strategic card play. Capturing or eliminating enemy nobles and royal heirs is a critical part of the game.
• Intrigue and Treachery: Players can engage in plots, assassinations, and other forms of intrigue to undermine their rivals.
• Victory Conditions: Victory is typically achieved by controlling a royal heir who is crowned and retains the throne for a specified number of turns. The exact victory conditions can be modified by scenarios or house rules.

Kingmaker is known for its complexity and lengthy playtime, often requiring several hours to complete. It is considered a classic wargame despite its strong political and economic components. The game emphasizes strategic planning, tactical maneuvering, and skillful manipulation of events to achieve victory in the turbulent world of 15th-century England. Over the years, it has seen multiple editions and continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts of historical board games.