# Article 27: The UN Security Council Game

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2012
- **BGG Rating**: 6.4
- **BGG Rank**: #5208
- **Players**: 3-6 (Best with: 6)
- **Duration**: 30 min
- **Weight**: 2.11 / 5
- **Designers**: Dan Baden
- **Artists**: Michael Christopher
- **Publishers**: Stronghold Games
- **Categories**: Bluffing, Negotiation, Political
- **Mechanics**: Trading, Voting

## Verdict
If you love politics, betrayal, and heavy social interaction, this is a true diplomatic crisis simulator!Intense and fast negotiationsExtremely immersive themeRealistic power dynamicsHighly dependent on social playCan be chaotic for newcomersRECOMMENDED

## Description
Get your best diplomatic speech ready (or perhaps your most generous bribe), because Article 27: The UN Security Council Game puts you right in the seat of a UN Security Council member. The name is no accident: the game is inspired by the article of the UN Charter that dictates how voting must occur. Here, diplomacy is a double-edged sword, and the clash of interests is constant.

The gameplay is fast-paced and highly realistic. In each round, one player acts as the UN Secretary-General. They present a proposal that affects five key pillars, such as military or economic issues. But here is the twist: each player receives a secret document revealing how these changes affect their own specific interests. In other words, what is great for you might be a disaster for the player sitting next to you.

With the clock ticking (yes, there's a sand timer to ensure no one spends too long philosophizing!), the table turns into a battlefield of intense negotiation. You will need to offer bribes, make promises, and bargain for points to ensure a proposal passes or to prevent it from dying. The Secretary-General gets a bonus when their proposal succeeds, making them a natural facilitator, but the veto power is real: any 'no' vote kills the proposal, though vetoing comes at a point cost. Ultimately, the winner is the one who best balances fulfilling their secret agenda, the bribe money accumulated, and points from approved proposals. It is a game of pure persuasion, where the Secretary-General's gavel decides the fate of the world (or at least your score)!

## FAQ
### How long does a game last?
It's quite fast! Usually between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how quickly players negotiate.

### Is the game very complex?
It has moderate weight. The rules are straightforward, but the real complexity lies in human interaction and negotiation strategies.

### What is the ideal player count?
It works well with 3 to 6 players, but the political dynamics really shine with larger groups.

### Do I need to know international politics?
You don't need to be an expert, but understanding the concept of a 'veto' and 'negotiation' helps immensely with immersion.

### Does it include time components?
Yes, it uses sand timers to control the negotiation periods.

### Is it a family game?
I'd recommend it for older players or teens, as it requires heavy argumentation and direct negotiation.