# Clash of Steel: A Tactical Card Game of Medieval Duels

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2017
- **BGG Rating**: 6.4
- **BGG Rank**: #16927
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 10-15 min
- **Weight**: 1.67 / 5
- **Designers**: Ben Dutter
- **Publishers**: Sigil Stone Publishing
- **Categories**: Card Game, Fighting, Medieval
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Betting and Bluffing, Campaign / Battle Card Driven

## Verdict
If you love low‑luck card duels, this one’s a quick hit! Auction, bluff, and tactics in 15 minutes.Card duel with strategyNo luck, pure tacticsFast, short playtimeOnly two playersBudget management requiredHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Clash of Steel: A Tactical Card Game of Medieval Duels is a low‑luck, 15‑minute card duel where strategy takes center stage. Two players face off on a virtual battlefield, each trying to outmaneuver the other with auction, betting, and bluffing tactics. The goal is simple: whittle your opponent’s stamina down until they surrender or are defeated. Every card represents a move, an attack, or a defense, and every turn demands careful planning of how much to invest in each resource.

At the start, each player receives a hand of cards and a limited amount of stamina points. Before each round, players secretly place their bids. The one who bids higher gains the right to choose the card they play first, potentially turning the tide of the game. If both players place the same bid, the duel is decided purely by tactical play, with no advantage given to the first player.

One of the biggest draws of Clash of Steel is the complete absence of dice or random elements. What changes is the knowledge you have about your opponent. You must read the cards they’re ready to play, predict their intentions, and block their blows before they hit your stamina. This creates a constant tension, as if each card were a blade that could slice the victory.

The components are simple: a deck of about 100 cards, stamina tokens, and betting markers. Everything fits in a small box, making it portable and perfect for quick sessions at cafés or taverns. Even though it’s a two‑player game, its design ensures that each match feels fresh, as the combinations of cards and bids generate different strategies every time.

If you enjoy games that demand quick thinking, opponent reading, and investment decisions, Clash of Steel will surprise you. It’s a card duel that proves sometimes the best weapon is the mind.

## FAQ
### How long does it take to learn the game?
About five minutes.

### How many players?
Two players.

### What’s the typical game duration?
10-15 minutes.

### What components does it include?
Deck of cards, stamina tokens, betting markers.

### Does the game involve luck?
No, it has no random elements.

### Who is it suitable for?
Players who enjoy tactical strategy and direct duels.

### How does the auction work?
Players bid resources to gain cards or advantages before the round.