# Condottiere ## General Info - **Year Published**: 1995 - **BGG Rating**: 6.9 - **BGG Rank**: #1065 - **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 5) - **Duration**: 20-45 min - **Weight**: 1.95 / 5 - **Designers**: Dominique Ehrhard, Duccio Vitale, Justin Kemppainen - **Artists**: David Palumbo, Dominique Ehrhard, John Goodenough, Mohammad Noureddine, Samuel R. Shimota, Scott Nicely, Serge Hochain, Tomasz Jedruszek - **Publishers**: Eurogames, (Unknown), Arclight Games, Delta Vision Publishing, Descartes Editeur, Edge Entertainment, Fantasy Flight Games, Galakta, Giochi Uniti, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Hobby World, Lautapelit.fi, Roomiz Games, Ubik, Z-Man Games - **Categories**: Bluffing, Card Game, Medieval, Negotiation - **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Auction / Bidding, Constrained Bidding, Hand Management ## Verdict If you enjoy auctions with a twist and a bit of bluffing, Condottiere is a sure bet! It's a quick and straightforward game that will keep you on edge every round.Auction where everyone loses bidsFast and to the pointConstant tension and bluffingEasy to learn and playResource loss on all bidsCan be frustrating for someLuck plays a roleRECOMMENDED ## Description Welcome to 13th-century Italy, where city-states are bursting with wealth but plagued by weak armies and envious neighbors. That's where the Condottieri come in! Experienced mercenaries, like veterans returning from the Crusades, were hired to fight for these cities. In Condottiere, you take on the role of one of these mercenary leaders, competing to control four connected Italian provinces. The game is an electrifying mix of auction and hand management. You'll use cards representing mercenaries, seasons, scarecrows, and political figures to bid on provinces. But beware: unlike a typical auction, everyone loses what they bid! Yes, you're essentially betting the number of troops you're willing to lose to conquer a territory. Special effect cards add an extra layer of unpredictability, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. It's a fast-paced game, full of bluffing and tense decisions, perfect for those who enjoy strategic clashes with a touch of luck and plenty of interaction. Get ready to negotiate, bluff, and see who can dominate the peninsula! ## FAQ ### How many people can play Condottiere? Condottiere is for 2 to 6 players, so it works well for both smaller and larger groups. ### How long does a game typically last? Games are quite fast, usually lasting between 20 and 45 minutes, perfect for fitting into any game session. ### Is the game very complicated to learn? No, the rules are quite simple. The challenge lies more in the strategic decisions and bluffing than in the complexity of the rules. ### What are the main components of the game? The game uses a deck of cards with various types of units and effects, along with a simple board representing the provinces of Italy. ### Who would you recommend Condottiere to? It's ideal for those who enjoy card games with auction mechanics, bluffing, and a bit of area control, without being too heavy. ### Does the game have a lot of player interaction? Yes, the interaction is high! You'll constantly be competing in auctions, trying to guess others' intentions, and reacting to their plays. ### Is it a game focused more on luck or strategy? Condottiere balances both well. Managing your hand of cards and bidding decisions are strategic, but card draws and opponents' actions add an element of luck. ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 33.37 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6075907&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/1019/condottiere?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com