Avignon: A Clash of Popes (2016)

About this game

The year is 1378, and your rightful claim for the papacy has been challenged by an usurper. You must gain influence among the people of Christendom in order to secure your legitimacy and the Throne of Saint Peter. Avignon is a quick influence manipulation card game in which the two players are rival candidates for Pope in the 14th century. Players gain influence by petitioning members of the medieval Church, such as Cardinals, Nobles, and Knights, and using the characters' unique powers to pull the character cards over to their side of the table (their congregation), or force an opponent to push cards towards them. The first player to get three characters into their congregation wins.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 1.4/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.