# The Fifth Column

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1995
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: —
- **Weight**: 1.67 / 5
- **Designers**: Reiner Knizia
- **Publishers**: Games & Puzzles Publications
- **Categories**: Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Set Collection

## Verdict
A quick and clever card duel reminiscent of "Schotten Totten," perfect for those who enjoy pure strategy without much fuss!Pure and fast strategyUses standard deckSharp tactical decisionsEasy to learnCan feel a bit abstractLuck of the drawTwo players onlyRECOMMENDED

## Description
If you enjoy the vibe of "Schotten Totten" but want something a bit more straightforward, "The Fifth Column" might be the right pick! This game, which uses a standard deck of cards, pits you in a strategic duel where the goal is to capture five "columns" before your opponent does. Each player starts with a hand of six cards, and nine columns are set up on the table, with two cards discarded to form the draw pile. On each turn, you play a card to one of the columns, try to complete three-card sets that score points (from straight flush down), and if you successfully dominate a column, it's yours! But beware, the game has some twists: if a column is completed by both sides and results in a tie, the player who played last loses it. And there's more: if you can prove your opponent has no chance of beating you in a column, even if they haven't completed it yet, you can claim it immediately! It's a fast-paced, tactical game that requires good hand management to draw the right cards at the right time. There are some variations you can explore, like ignoring straights and straight flushes, or playing with more cards in your starting hand and without drawing more during the game, adding an extra spice for those who have already mastered the basics.

It's one of those games that shows how a simple deck of cards can provide hours of strategic fun. Perfect for those who like quick duels full of important decisions, without much fuss. The simplicity of the rules contrasts with the depth of the choices, making each game a new mental battle. If you're looking for a game that fits in your pocket and your suitcase, and can be learned in minutes but played for years, "The Fifth Column" is a strong contender.

## FAQ
### How many players can participate?
This game is strictly for two players.

### How long does a game take?
Games are quite fast, usually lasting between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the players' familiarity with the strategies.

### What is the game's complexity?
The complexity is considered low. The basic rules are easy to learn, but the tactical decisions can be quite interesting.

### What components come with the game?
The game itself doesn't come with physical components other than a standard deck of cards. The fun is using your own deck!

### Is it a game for beginners or experienced players?
It's great for both! Beginners will grasp the rules quickly, and experienced players will enjoy the tactical depth and variations.

### Is there a lot of luck involved?
There is an element of luck in drawing cards, but hand management and tactical decisions are crucial for victory.

### Are there any expansions or different versions?
There are some rule variations described in the manual that can be explored to change the experience a bit, but there are no official expansions in the traditional sense.