# Pacts

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2025
- **BGG Rating**: 7.7
- **BGG Rank**: #4283
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 15-20 min
- **Weight**: 1.89 / 5
- **Designers**: Ben Brin
- **Artists**: Gwenevere Singley
- **Publishers**: DVC Games
- **Categories**: Fantasy, Medieval, Mythology, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, I Cut, You Choose, Variable Player Powers, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
Pacts is an elegant and straightforward two-player duel, perfect for those who love quick strategy with a dash of bluffing. The action-splitting mechanic creates delicious tension, forcing you to read your opponent's mind at every turn. With thematic art and a very short playtime, it is the ideal strategic filler to keep in your bag.Very clever splitting mechanicFast and intense gameplayBeautiful thematic artworkHighly strategic for its sizeStrictly for two playersCan be frustrating if losingHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready for a duel of wits where Celtic mythology comes to life on your tabletop. In Pacts, you and your opponent take control of one of two fae courts: the Seelie, representing light and growth, or the Unseelie, masters of cold and trickery. The game is a strategic duel focused on area control, where every decision matters and the tension between players is constant.

The core highlight of Pacts is the 'I cut, you choose' mechanic. Each round, action cards are dealt, and one player must split these actions into two piles. The other player then chooses which pile to take. This system creates a fascinating mind game: you must try to create balanced piles or outsmart your opponent into picking the option you want, all while they try to predict your intentions. It is a constant exercise in reading your opponent.

Throughout the game, you will place, move, and remove influence across six sacred regions of the isle. The goal is to secure a majority in these areas at the end of two blocks of rounds (three and six rounds, respectively). To add extra spice, each player has the assistance of mythological creatures like banshees, selkies, and dragons. These variable player powers ensure that each game feels different and requires you to adapt your strategy based on the available abilities.

With a super fast playtime of 15 to 20 minutes, Pacts is the perfect choice for those looking for a strategic filler that doesn't overstay its welcome. The production brings special charm with the use of cloth boards and art that evokes all the magic of Celtic legends. It is an elegant, focused game that rewards those who can keep a cool head under pressure. If you enjoy two-player games that mix tactics, a bit of bluffing, and a dash of malice, Pacts will become a favorite on your shelf. It is the type of game that, as soon as it ends, you will want to set up a rematch to prove who is the true ruler of the isle.

## FAQ
### Does the game work well with more than two players?
No, Pacts is designed exclusively as a two-player duel. The tension and mechanics rely on that direct head-to-head interaction.

### How long does a game take on average?
It is quite fast! Games usually last between 15 and 20 minutes, making it perfect for playing several rounds in a row.

### Do I need to know Celtic mythology to play?
Not at all! The theme is very immersive and sets the mood, but the rules are intuitive and you'll pick them up quickly as you play.

### What are the cloth boards?
They are a very charming component of the game. Instead of rigid cardboard, the map is made of fabric, which provides a great tactile feel and makes it easy to carry around.

### Is it a very complex game?
No, the weight is quite low (1.89/5). It is easy to learn, but offers enough strategic depth to keep you coming back for more.