# 1714: The Case of the Catalans

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2014
- **BGG Rating**: 6.9
- **BGG Rank**: #6879
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 120 min
- **Weight**: 2.78 / 5
- **Designers**: Ivan Prat
- **Artists**: Isabel Fernández Sánchez
- **Publishers**: Devir
- **Categories**: Age of Reason, Negotiation, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Hexagon Grid, Open Drafting, Variable Phase Order

## Verdict
1714: The Case of the Catalans is a gem for those who enjoy wargames with an extra spice of politics and negotiation. The experience of balancing the collective war effort with self-interest is what makes the game shine. It is a tense match where every card choice and every round of negotiation can change the course of history. If you like games that require deep strategy and negotiation skills, you will feel right at home.Tense and engaging negotiation mechanicsClassic and functional hexagonal mapSmart variable turn order systemWell-integrated historical themeNot a true cooperative gameRequires high player interactionPlaytime can be long for someFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
In '1714: The Case of the Catalans', you are transported to the early 18th century, amidst the chaos of the War of the Spanish Succession. With the death of Charles II, Europe is divided: on one side, the Grand Alliance trying to place Archduke Charles on the throne; on the other, the Bourbon forces defending Philip of Anjou. But make no mistake, despite being in a war, this is not a cooperative game. Each player represents a power of the Grand Alliance, and while everyone fights the Bourbons, the real goal is to secure the best commercial and territorial advantages for yourself, aiming for prestige in the future Peace of Utrecht.

The mechanics shine by mixing military strategy with tense negotiation. Each turn, you must decide how to use your cards: either to trigger powerful effects or to perform crucial actions, such as recruiting troops, moving armies across the hexagonal map, or attacking enemy positions. The brilliant detail is that actions cannot be repeated in consecutive turns, which requires careful planning. Additionally, the turn order is variable, and your country's 'Public Opinion' dictates who gets priority when dividing the conquered concessions. This creates an environment where you need to cooperate to win battles, but backstab (or negotiate skillfully) to ensure your country comes out wealthier than the others.

It is a game that requires table reading and constant diplomacy. You will need to manage resources, maintain your people's morale, and, of course, deal with the event deck that brings historical characters and real battles to complicate everyone's lives. If you enjoy wargames that aren't just about rolling dice, but about political maneuvers and the classic 'who gains the most from this', this title is a perfect fit. Prepare for 120 minutes of tension where victory is not just about the battlefield, but about who can stitch together the best deals before history is written.

## FAQ
### Is the game cooperative?
No! Although everyone fights against the Bourbons, each player pursues their own interests and the winner is the one who accumulates the most benefits.

### How long does a game last?
Expect to spend about 120 minutes. It is a game that requires time for negotiations to take place.

### Is it very difficult to learn?
With a weight of 2.78, it is accessible for those who already have some experience with wargames, but it can be a challenge for total beginners.

### How many players are needed?
The game works well with 2 to 5 people. With more players, the negotiation becomes much more intense.

### Are actions fixed?
No, you cannot repeat the same action in two consecutive turns, which forces you to plan your moves well.

### Is the map important?
Yes, it uses a hexagonal grid system that is essential for troop positioning and attacks.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 46.32 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=759371&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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