Cover of the game Conspiracy

Conspiracy

AMIGO, Clipper, Condor · Board game · 1973
Ludopedia
9.5 Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
6.3 BoardGameGeek
Players
3–4 · best 4
Play Time
90 min
Weight
Weight 1.9/5
Year
Year 1973
Minimum age
Minimum age 10+
Buy
9.5 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Conspiracy is an absolute classic for fans of pure bluffing and negotiation games. The complete lack of luck forces you to rely on your memory and cunning to control spies and outsmart your opponents. It's a tense experience where alliances shift every round and victory depends on your ability to manipulate the table.

Highlights
  • Extremely punishing bluffing mechanics
  • Zero reliance on luck or dice
  • Constant player interaction
  • Elegant and easy to learn
Keep in mind
  • Requires a group prone to negotiation
  • Can be brutal for newcomers
  • Limited availability as an older title
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you enjoy games that turn the table into a psychological battlefield, Conspiracy is a classic you should definitely check out. Originally released in the 70s, this game puts you and your friends in the shoes of greedy spies fighting over a top-secret briefcase. Forget dice or luck-based cards; here, your success depends on managing your funds and, of course, your ability to outsmart everyone else. The goal is straightforward: deliver the briefcase to your headquarters. However, since no spy works for free, you'll need to bribe the agents on the board to follow your orders. On your turn, you can either move a spy or pay to sway them to your side. The real fun begins when someone challenges your move. That's when the bluffing comes to light: both players reveal how much money they've secretly invested in that specific spy. The highest bidder wins. If you're the challenger and lose, you lose your next turn, which can be a game-ender. It's a constant negotiation game where temporary alliances are formed solely to stop the person closest to victory. The tension is real because you must work with others to keep the leader in check, but deep down, everyone just wants the case for themselves. It's an intense, skill-based experience where memory and bluffing are your main weapons. If you like games that require reading the table and a healthy dose of cunning, Conspiracy delivers it all with a minimalist elegance that many modern games try to replicate. Get ready for moments of pure betrayal and nervous laughter as you try to convince your friends you have no interest in that briefcase, all while secretly moving your spies for the final checkmate.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–4 players
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Series: Buchkassette (Pelikan)
Publisher AMIGO, Clipper, Condor, Gibsons, Milton Bradley, Pelikan
Designer Eric Solomon

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,857owners
167wishlist
35want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Does the game rely on luck?
Not at all! Conspiracy is a game of pure strategy, bluffing, and memory. There are no dice or luck-based cards involved.
How many players can play?
The game is designed for 3 to 4 players, although some later versions support up to 8.
How long does a game last?
A game usually takes about 90 minutes, which is plenty of time for intense tension and plot twists.
Is it a cooperative game?
Not exactly. You need to cooperate temporarily to stop someone from winning, but the ultimate goal is individual.
Is it hard to learn?
The rules are quite simple and intuitive, but mastering the art of bluffing against your friends might take some time!

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