A Very Civil Whist

PHALANX · Board game · 2025
2 · best 2 30–60 min Weight 2.0/5
rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 32.33
rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love tactical duels with a historic flavor, you’ll enjoy the card‑and‑map blend of A Very Civil Whist.

Highlights
  • Deep two‑player strategy
  • Open draft builds tension
  • Immersive period art
Keep in mind
  • Card luck can swing outcomes
  • Rules have a learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

A Very Civil Whist thrusts you into the whirlwind of the First English Civil War in the mid‑17th century. Each player commands one of the two historic factions – the Royalists or the Parliamentarians – battling for political, economic and religious dominance. The core is based on the classic German Whist, but layers of strategy are added: cards represent leaders, resources and events; an open draft lets both see the pool before picking, creating blocking confrontations and bluffing chances. When cards are played, conflict resolution by cards determines who takes the trick, blending values, abilities and special effects.

The game also weaves Push‑Your‑Luck and Tug‑of‑War mechanics: when trying to seize a region of influence you may gamble extra cards to secure control, but over‑reaching can cost vital resources. A national‑scale map serves as the board, displaying strategic provinces worth victory points. Each round represents a campaign turn, and success hinges on balancing military pressure with resource management and political sway.

With a light weight (2/5) and a playtime of 30‑60 minutes, it’s perfect for quick yet tension‑filled historical sessions. High‑quality components – illustrated cards, resource tokens and a detailed map – immerse you in a divided England. If you enjoy deep‑strategic card games, historical reenactments, or intense two‑player tactical duels, A Very Civil Whist delivers a blend of luck, planning and civil‑war drama.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Country: England History: English Civil War Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players
Publisher PHALANX
Designer Fred Serval
Artist Donal Hegarty

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

392owners
321wishlist
87want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
It is a two‑player only game, each commanding a faction.
What is the typical playing time?
Usually 30‑60 minutes, depending on how deep the strategies get.
How complex is the game?
Weight 2/5 – easy to learn rules but offers strategic depth.
What components are included?
Illustrated leader and resource cards, influence tokens, victory point markers, and a national‑scale map of England.
Do I need prior knowledge of the English Civil War?
Not required; the game provides background, though history buffs will catch extra flavor.

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