The British Way: Counterinsurgency at the End of Empire

GMT Games · Board game · 2023
— Ludopedia 7.9 BGG 2 · best 2 60–120 min Weight 3.1/5
Buy · from US$ 57.29
— rating Ludopedia
7.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

For fans of the COIN series or anyone looking for an introduction focused on historical counter-insurgency conflicts, this multipack is a gem! Four games in one, each with its own flavor, but all featuring that political and military tension we love.

Highlights
  • Four complete games in one
  • COIN system adapted for 2 players
  • Agile yet deep gameplay
  • Variety of historical conflicts
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Steep initial learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a pack of four games from the COIN series, "The British Way: Counterinsurgency at the End of Empire"! The focus here is on exploring the "emergencies" the British Empire faced between 1945 and 1960, as they tried to make a somewhat dignified exit from their global dominance. Each game throws you into a different situation: communist insurgents in Malaysia, nationalists in Kenya, and terrorists in Cyprus and Palestine. The coolest part is that they've taken the classic COIN formula and tweaked it to work perfectly in two-player duels, making the game more agile without losing depth. It's a fantastic entry point for newcomers to the series, and for veterans, there are four distinct experiences to compare and enjoy. They've adapted the mechanics for each conflict, like Villages in Malaysia, the 'Pipeline' in Kenya, curfews in Cyprus, and mass detentions in Palestine. And the best part: each game plays on a smaller map and can finish in under 90 minutes, but with that strategic complexity we love. Plus, there's even a campaign linking all four games for those who want to dive deep into this era of British decolonization. It's a feast for wargame enthusiasts who enjoy a political and historical twist, especially fans of the COIN series and those who aren't afraid of a good strategic challenge.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

6 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: Cyprus Country: Israel Country: Kenya Country: Malaysia Country: Palestine Country: United Kingdom Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Region: Palestine Series: COIN (GMT) Theme: Colonial War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Stephen Rangazas
Artist Matthew Wallhead

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,842owners
638wishlist
157want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players does this game support?
The British Way is designed exclusively for 2 players.
How long does a game session take?
Each of the four games within the pack typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Is it difficult to learn how to play?
The game offers an accessible introduction to the COIN series, but the overall complexity is moderate (BGG weight 3.11/5). Each game has its own nuances, so it might take a little time to master all of them.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the language dependency is considered high. A good understanding of English is necessary to play comfortably, as there is a significant amount of text on cards and the board.
What comes in the box?
The box contains four complete game scenarios, each with its own map, pieces, and card deck, focusing on different conflicts from the end of the British Empire.
Is this a good game for history buffs?
Absolutely! It simulates historical counter-insurgency conflicts in detail, making it a great choice for those who appreciate the theme and military/political strategy.

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