Kremlin

The Avalon Hill Game Co, Fata Morgana Spiele, New Games Order, LLC · Board game · 1986
3–6 · best 6 75 min Weight 2.9/5
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
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7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love betrayal and political games, featuring constant tension and a sharp, acidic tone.

Highlights
  • Genius secret influence dynamics
  • Immersive and satirical theme
  • Direct and aggressive player interaction
  • High replayability with different versions
Keep in mind
  • Health check luck can be frustrating
  • Initial learning curve for newcomers
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Imagine yourself as a puppet master in the corridors of the Soviet Politburo. In Kremlin, the goal isn't just to govern, but to survive a sadistic game of political intrigue where loyalty is a foreign concept. You and your opponents fight for control of the Party, and your primary tool is secret influence. At the start, you discreetly assign power levels to each politician; the higher the number, the more likely you are to call the shots when that character is activated.

The dynamics are fascinating: gameplay doesn't follow the traditional clockwise order. Instead, it proceeds in phases, and whoever holds the most influence over the current politician decides the action. Want to promote your ally? Great. Want to exile a rival to Siberia or orchestrate a bloody purge? Just do it. But beware, power takes its toll. Every action causes the politician to age, and the older they get, the higher the chance they'll fall ill or simply kick the bucket during a health check. It's a constant cycle of rise and fall.

To win, you must control the Party Chief and ensure they are healthy enough to wave to the crowd at the October parade. Succeeding at this three times secures your victory. Depending on the edition you play, the experience shifts: from satirical versions with absurd names and rules suggesting vodka toasts at funerals, to historical versions that are far more violent, where the KGB doesn't send people to Siberia, but straight to a firing squad. It's a game of bluffing, risk management, and political malice, perfect for those who enjoy watching chaos unfold while trying to keep their own head on their shoulders.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 OK
4 REC
5 BEST
6 BEST
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Game details

Categories

Families

Cities: Moscow (Russia) Country: Russia Country: Soviet Union Decades: The 1920's Decades: The 1930's Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Digital Implementations: VASSAL Interwar period (Nov. 1918 - Aug. 1939) Misc: Dice Tower Hall of Fame
Publisher The Avalon Hill Game Co, Fata Morgana Spiele, New Games Order, LLC
Designer Urs Hostettler
Artist Charles Kibler, George I. Parrish, Jr., Rasenjin Hayami, Res Brandenberger
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex?
It's considered an 'expert' game, but the complexity lies more in the cunning and strategy than in impossible rules. With a basic explanation, most players pick it up quickly.
How many people can play?
From 3 to 6 players. The more people, the more chaos and betrayal, which makes the experience even better.
How long does a game take?
Usually around 75 minutes, but it can vary depending on how much time you spend negotiating and arguing over purges.
Is it recommended for people who dislike conflict?
Probably not. Kremlin is all about bringing others down, exiling friends, and betraying allies. If you prefer cooperative games, this isn't for you!
Do I need to know USSR history to play?
Nope! The game works whether you use the satirical version (with fictional names) or the historical one. The focus is on the power mechanics, not a history test.