# Richelieu

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2003
- **BGG Rating**: 6.6
- **BGG Rank**: #4437
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 45 min
- **Weight**: 1.90 / 5
- **Designers**: Michael Schacht
- **Artists**: Oliver Freudenreich
- **Publishers**: Ravensburger AG
- **Categories**: Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Open Drafting, Set Collection

## Verdict
Looking for a quick and clever card duel for two? Richelieu challenges you to think ahead and dominate majorities to win the king's favor!Deep strategy in few rulesDirect and tense interactionFast and cerebralGreat for two playersMay seem too simpleRequires forward planningLittle luck involvedRECOMMENDED

## Description
In Richelieu, you step into the role of an influential advisor trying to win the favor of the young King Louis XIII, all while the Queen Mother Mary of Medici plots your downfall. This is a two-player card duel set in 1630, during the famous "journée des dupes" (Day of the Dupes).

The game is incredibly straightforward: cards, representing different colors and symbols of influence (military, political, and ecclesiastical), are laid out in four face-up rows. On your turn, you select either one or two cards from the end of any row. The goal is to collect the majority of cards in each color and specific symbols to score points.

However, don't let the simple rules fool you! Richelieu demands sharp strategic thinking, reminiscent of chess. You need to anticipate your opponent's moves, plan your turns ahead, and, of course, try to disrupt their plans. Every card taken can be crucial, and the competition for majorities is intense.

If you enjoy card games with a touch of deep strategy, where every decision matters and player interaction is constant, Richelieu might be a great choice. It's a quick game, but it offers significant depth for those who enjoy thinking several steps ahead. Perfect for a fast-paced, cerebral match for two!

## FAQ
### How many players does Richelieu support?
Richelieu is exclusively a two-player game.

### How long does a game take?
A game of Richelieu typically takes about 45 minutes to complete.

### What is the game's complexity?
The game has simple rules, but considerable strategic depth, classifying it as low-to-medium complexity.

### Do I need to read to play?
No, Richelieu has no language dependency, as cards are identified by colors and symbols.

### Who is this game recommended for?
It's recommended for couples or friends who enjoy card games with strategy, direct interaction, and who don't mind a light historical theme.

### Is it a game of luck or strategy?
Richelieu leans heavily towards strategy. There's an element of luck in the card draw, but decision-making and planning are crucial for victory.