Iron Curtain (2017)

About this game

Imagine re-living the struggles and nail-biting dilemmas of the Cold War in a game that only consists of 18 cards. Imagine learning a game that manages to provide players with intense strategic and tactical decisions every turn in just under 20 minutes. Imagine playing as the US or Soviet in an intense struggle to win the Cold War battle of superpowers. Players play cards that build a card shaped world map that look different each game. Will you, as the Soviet, go for control in Europe and give up Africa? Will the US place Cuba out of reach for Soviet troops on the world map? “We wanted to create a game full of suspense where simplicity was key. Players only play one card per turn and there’s only 9 turns in the game. The tension comes from the dilemmas that the cards represent but also from how you read your opponent. It quickly becomes a battle of the wills.” Iron Curtain is an original strategy game where how and when you play a card is just as important as what card you decide will influence the tides of war next.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.1/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.