# Turncoats

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2021
- **BGG Rating**: 7.1
- **BGG Rank**: #3469
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 15-45 min
- **Weight**: 1.97 / 5
- **Designers**: Matilda Simonsson
- **Artists**: David Masnato
- **Publishers**: Milda Matilda Games
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy, Bluffing, Medieval, Political, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Alliances, Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, Hand Management, Hexagon Grid, Hidden Victory Points, Stock Holding, Victory Points as a Resource

## Verdict
If you enjoy quick strategy games with a touch of bluffing and intrigue, Turncoats will win you over! It's that kind of game where you never know who's truly on your side until the very end.Engaging tactical strategyBluffing and twistsFast-paced dynamicsClever hand managementCan get chaotic with 5Luck in initial drawIndirect interaction at timesRECOMMENDED

## Description
In Turncoats, the war between three factions is raging, and you're not an ordinary soldier, but an Aspirant or Interloper with… let's say, flexible loyalties. The goal here isn't just to fight, but to play a backstage game of power, where your true intentions remain hidden. Each player has a handful of colored stones representing loyalty to each faction, and these stones are kept secret in your hand. To do anything in the game – whether advancing troops, influencing regions, or using special abilities – you'll spend these stones. The trick is that you need to manage what you have in hand well, because it's not just about who dominates the battlefield, but who's left standing at the end. When the game concludes, the winning faction will choose the player with the most stones remaining in their hand to be the new ruler. This creates a constant dilemma: spend everything for an advantage now or save it to secure victory in the end? The game blends area control, hand management, and constant bluffing, all on a hexagonal board that allows for tactical movement. It's a fast-paced game, ideal for those who enjoy strategy with a touch of intrigue and unpredictability, where alliances can form and break in the blink of an eye. Get ready to negotiate, deceive, and perhaps even betray your friends in pursuit of supreme power!

## FAQ
### How many people can play Turncoats?
Turncoats is designed for 2 to 5 players. It plays well at different counts, but the dynamic can change significantly depending on how many people are at the table.

### How long does a game take?
Games are quite fast, typically lasting between 15 and 45 minutes. Perfect for fitting into a game night or playing a few rounds in a row.

### Is the game difficult to learn?
The complexity is considered low to moderate (BGG weight of 1.97). The basic rules are easy to grasp, but mastering the strategy requires a bit more dedication.

### What is the main theme of Turncoats?
The theme is political intrigue and warfare in a medieval setting. You are a hidden power player, manipulating three warring factions to become the new ruler.

### Do I need to know English to play?
No! The game has zero language dependency, meaning you can play it comfortably without needing English.

### Who is Turncoats recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy games with area control, hand management mechanics, and a good element of bluffing and negotiation. If you like games that make you think and distrust others, you'll enjoy it.

### What are the main components?
The game includes colored stones representing loyalty, a hexagonal board, markers, and cards. Many players praise the component quality, including a cloth board in some editions.