The Cousins' War

Surprised Stare Games Ltd · Board game · 2017
2 · best 2 30 min Weight 2.0/5
rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 12.80
rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Fancy a tense and quick historical duel? The Cousins' War puts you in the middle of the Wars of the Roses with cards, bluffs, and dice to see who rules England!

Highlights
  • Intense historical duel
  • Fast and direct
  • Bluffing mechanic
  • Two-player focus
Keep in mind
  • Language dependency
  • Dice luck
  • Low depth
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare to relive the bloody Wars of the Roses in the 15th century with The Cousins' War! In this two-player game, each of you takes on the mantle of one of the rival royal houses – York or Lancaster – in the fight for control of England. Forget peace, because here it's battle after battle, with the goal of dominating the kingdom.

The conflict unfolds over up to five rounds, each representing a decade of war. In each round, you'll decide where the next major battle will take place. With cards in hand, you'll position your troops, try to increase your influence in England's regions, and, of course, prepare for the clash. The battle itself is a game of bluff and counter-bluff, where three dice help determine the fate of the troops. Whoever holds the battlefield gains morale and consolidates their influence. It's a race to see who will plant their flag across all of England or who will have the most regions under their control by the end of the fifth round. Two promo cards are included to add extra spice to the dispute!

If you enjoy historical wargames with card mechanics and area control, The Cousins' War is a sure bet. It's fast, to the point, and puts you right in the middle of one of England's most iconic conflicts, all with a simulation feel that makes you sense the tension of the struggle for the throne.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Country: England History: Wars of the Roses Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: Pocket Campaigns (Surprised Stare Games)
Publisher Surprised Stare Games Ltd
Designer David J. Mortimer
Artist Klemens Franz

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,094owners
301wishlist
63want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime?
A game of The Cousins' War typically lasts around 30 minutes, perfect for those who want a dose of strategy without it taking all day.
How many players can participate?
This game is designed exclusively for two players, perfect for a direct confrontation between friends or couples.
Is it a complex game to learn?
The complexity is considered low to moderate (BGG weight 1.95 out of 5). The rules are accessible, but the strategy can be deep.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has moderate language dependency. It's recommended to have the cards translated or use a reference sheet.
Who is The Cousins' War best suited for?
It's great for fans of historical wargames, strategic duels, and those who enjoy card mechanics with a touch of dice luck.
What is the main objective of the game?
The goal is to dominate all regions of England or control the majority of them by the end of the fifth round, consolidating your royal house's power.

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