Confucius

JKLM Games, Surprised Stare Games Ltd · Board game · 2008

8.1 Ludopedia 6.8 BGG 3–5 · best 4 100 min Weight 3.7/5

Buy · from US$ 64.95

8.1 rating Ludopedia

6.8 rating BGG

Buy · from US$ 64.95

Our Verdict

FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy political strategy games with an 'expert' feel and a well-integrated historical theme, Confucius might be your cup of tea! The struggle for influence is its strongest point.

Highlights

Deep political intrigue
Engaging historical theme
Influence mechanics
Low language dependency

Keep in mind

Can be complex
Steep learning curve
Subtle interaction

Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

In Confucius, you embody an influential family within China's Ming Dynasty, vying for power and prestige without resorting to brute force. The game places you at the heart of subtle political intrigue, where Confucian philosophy dictates the rules of engagement. Your mission is to weave a network of relationships and influence the three principal ministries of the imperial government. But that's not all! Leading grand exploration and trading expeditions, or commanding invasions of foreign lands, also brings fame and glory. It's a delicate and discreet struggle for control of the empire, where every move matters and wisdom is your greatest weapon. Prepare for a strategic experience that demands planning and insight to navigate the complex waters of imperial politics and rise to the top. The game is known for its low language dependency, making it accessible, and its action point and area control mechanics offer depth for those seeking an 'expert' challenge.

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–5 players

3 REC

4 BEST

5 REC

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher JKLM Games, Surprised Stare Games Ltd

Designer Alan Paull

Artist Charlie Paull, Tony Boydell

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

851owners

267wishlist

62want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

What is the average playtime for Confucius?

A game of Confucius typically lasts between 100 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules.

Is Confucius a difficult game to learn?

It's considered a game with a certain level of complexity (a weight of 3.72/5 on BGG), making it more suitable for players who already have some experience with more strategic board games.

How many players does Confucius support?

The game is designed for 3 to 5 players, which allows for good competition for influence and interesting political interactions.

Does the game have a lot of text dependency on cards or components?

No, Confucius has low language dependency. Essential information is generally represented by icons, making it easier to play even with players who don't read English.

What is the main objective for players in Confucius?

The objective is to accumulate the most prestige and influence possible by controlling the imperial government's ministries and performing other actions that yield victory points by the end of the game.

Who would you recommend Confucius to?

We recommend Confucius to players who enjoy strategy games with historical themes, a focus on area control and influence, and who don't mind a denser and slightly longer experience.