1960: The Making of the President

GMT Games, Z-Man Games, Filosofia Éditions · Board game · 2007
2 · best 2 90–120 min Weight 3.2/5
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
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
About the game
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?
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Categories

Families

Country: USA Decades: The 1960's Digital Implementations: VASSAL History: Cold War Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Players: Games with expansions that add solo play
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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!