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rating
Ludopedia
7.6
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you enjoy intense political and card-driven games, '1960: The Making of the President' is a perfect fit to relive one of the most iconic elections in American history. The tension is palpable every round!
Highlights
- Constant electoral tension
- Clever card-driven mechanic
- Immersive historical theme
- Impactful strategic decisions
- High replayability
Keep in mind
- Requires thematic familiarity
- Initial learning curve
- Direct and confrontational interaction
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Get ready for a journey back to 1960, a pivotal year in American political history, where John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon waged an epic electoral battle. In '1960: The Making of the President', you step into the shoes of one of these titans, vying for the presidency of the United States amidst the Cold War and intense social turmoil. The game simulates the complexity of the campaign, from civil rights and economic issues to famous TV appearances and the final push on election day.
The board is an electoral map of the 1960 USA, where each state holds its electoral vote value. The core mechanic is card-driven, with cards representing significant historical campaign events – like the televised debate and the Catholic question – or they can be used to generate campaign points. These points are essential for gaining support in states, influencing regional media, and dominating the important issues of the day. Each round, you decide whether to play a card for its powerful event or for its campaign points, a choice that can change the course of the election.
The objective is simple yet challenging: secure the majority of electoral votes. To do this, you must spread support cubes across the states, contesting every vote with your opponent. Additionally, regional propaganda and focusing on the day's issues are crucial for building your campaign's momentum. With limited resources and scarce time, every decision matters. Will you reenact history or rewrite it, leading your candidate to the White House?
The board is an electoral map of the 1960 USA, where each state holds its electoral vote value. The core mechanic is card-driven, with cards representing significant historical campaign events – like the televised debate and the Catholic question – or they can be used to generate campaign points. These points are essential for gaining support in states, influencing regional media, and dominating the important issues of the day. Each round, you decide whether to play a card for its powerful event or for its campaign points, a choice that can change the course of the election.
The objective is simple yet challenging: secure the majority of electoral votes. To do this, you must spread support cubes across the states, contesting every vote with your opponent. Additionally, regional propaganda and focusing on the day's issues are crucial for building your campaign's momentum. With limited resources and scarce time, every decision matters. Will you reenact history or rewrite it, leading your candidate to the White House?
GALLERY
11 photos · from the community
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
In English
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BGRWJ 006 - 1960: The Making of the President - Part 1 (intro, components, setup)
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UPDATED - 1960 The Making Of The President - How To Play
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BGRWJ 006 - 1960: The Making of the President - Part 5 (Sample Turn)
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BGRWJ 006 - 1960: The Making of the President - Part 2 (Flow of Play Part 1)
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BGRWJ 006 - 1960: The Making of the President - Part 4 (Flow of Play Part 3, Review, Decision Points)
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BGRWJ 006 - 1960: The Making of the President - Part 3 (Flow of Play Part 2)
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BGRWJ 006 Preview
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1960 The Making of the President Card by Card Part 1 / The first 10 cards / Strategy
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1960: The Making of the President STRATEGY Tips /Card ANALYSIS Part 2
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1960 The Making of the President STRATEGY guide / Card Analysis and strategy / Part 3
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Bestdanggames Silent Video Overview
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games, Z-Man Games, Filosofia Éditions, Gabinete Lúdico, HIT Games
Designer
Christian Leonhard, Jason Matthews
Artist
Christian Leonhard, Donal Hegarty, Jason Matthews, Josh Cappel, Rodger B. MacGowan
What is the average playtime for 1960: The Making of the President?
A game typically lasts between 90 and 120 minutes. It's a game that demands focus and planning, but the duration is ideal for a complete strategic experience without being exhaustive.
How many players can play 1960: The Making of the President?
This game is exclusively for 2 players. It perfectly simulates the direct confrontation between two presidential candidates, making the experience a true strategic duel.
What is the complexity level of the game?
Considered a medium-to-heavy weight game (3.20/5 on BGG), it offers considerable strategic depth. It's not for absolute beginners, but players with some experience in strategic board games will adapt well.
Is the game language dependent?
Yes, the game has high language dependency. The event cards and rules contain a fair amount of text, so a good understanding of English or a complete translation is essential to fully enjoy the experience.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a large board representing the 1960 US electoral map, many event and campaign cards, support cubes for the states, markers for the issues and media tracks, and candidate pawns. All with production that evokes the era.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's highly recommended for fans of wargames and political games, especially those who appreciate card-driven mechanics and strategic duels. If you enjoy American history and making tough decisions under pressure, this is your game!