Behind the Throne

IGAMES, 2Geeks, Ares Games · Board game · 2016
2–4 · best 4 20–30 min Weight 1.9/5
rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 12.50
rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love fast political intrigue and card drafting, the secret abilities will keep you hooked.

Highlights
  • High interaction
  • Strong replay value
  • Simple mechanics
Keep in mind
  • Untranslated components
  • Only up to 4 players
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In "Behind the Throne" four secret societies vie for control of an ancient kingdom, and the only way to secure safety, influence, and economic power is to dominate the royal court. Each game starts with a deck of cards representing servants, nobles, and dignitaries. Over 20‑30 minutes, players draft cards openly, forming sets that unlock special abilities – from blackmail to threats – that can shift the tide of play. The "Line Drawing" mechanic appears when you place cards to create chains of influence, while "Push Your Luck" comes into play as you decide whether to keep recruiting aristocrats or lock in what you have. Every set of characters collected scores victory points, and the player with the most points at the end is crowned the true power behind the throne. The game is light (weight 1.9/5), perfect for 2‑4 players who enjoy quick decisions, political intrigue, and a dash of medieval fantasy. Though simple, the blend of set collection, open drafting, and "Take That" cards ensures plenty of interaction and replay value. If you like card games that mix strategy and bluffing, "Behind the Throne" offers a fun experience without hours of learning.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher IGAMES, 2Geeks, Ares Games, FoxGames, Gemenot, Planplay
Designer Oleg Sidorenko, Oleksandr Nevskiy
Artist Denis Martynets

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

940owners
109wishlist
13want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
2 to 4 players.
How long does a game take?
Approximately 20–30 minutes.
What is the game's complexity?
It is light, with a BGG weight of 1.9/5.
What components are required?
A themed deck of cards; no boards or extra pieces are needed.
Who is the game best suited for?
Players who enjoy card drafting, set collection, and quick political intrigue, especially fans of short games.

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