König von Siam

A game by Peer Sylvester

2 - 4 Players 30 - 60 minutes Medium

Area Majority / Influence, Communication Limits, Hand Management, Map Reduction, Sudden Death Ending, Team-Based Game, Turn Order: Pass Order, Variable Set-up

Political, Post-Napoleonic

Source - BoardGameGeek

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Description

In König von Siam, 2 to 4 players navigate a delicate power struggle in 19th century Siam, where the king's reforms have sparked a clash between the Malays, Lao, and Royalists. With the threat of British intervention looming, players must balance competing influences and maintain the appearance of unity. Using action cards, players vie for control of regions and factions, carefully managing their hand to tip the balance in their favor. As players take turns, they must be strategic about which cards to play and when, as each card can only be used once. The game is won by the player with the most followers in the dominant faction, or by the player with the most sets of followers from all three factions if the British intervene. With no random elements or luck after the initial setup, König von Siam is a game of skill and strategy, playable individually or in partnerships, that challenges players to walk a tightrope of power and influence.