# Unforgiven: The Lincoln Assassination Trial

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2021
- **BGG Rating**: 7.6
- **BGG Rank**: #4583
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30 min
- **Weight**: 2.50 / 5
- **Designers**: Tom Butler
- **Artists**: Milan Stojanovic, Nicholas Avallone
- **Publishers**: Green Feet Games
- **Categories**: American Civil War, Post-Napoleonic
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Open Drafting, Set Collection, Simulation, Tug of War

## Verdict
Perfect for history buffs and fans of fast duels; the courtroom tension is palpable.Fascinating and immersive historical themeFast and dynamic gameplayEngaging tug-of-war mechanicElegant component designStrictly limited to two playersDice luck can be frustratingRECOMMENDED

## Description
Imagine yourself at the heart of one of the most tense trials in American history. The atmosphere is chaotic: President Abraham Lincoln has been assassinated, and the United States is desperately trying to rebuild itself after the Civil War. In this scenario, you take on the role of an attorney — either for the prosecution or the defense — in a strategic duel to decide the fate of Mary Surratt, the first woman ever executed for treason in the country. The goal is simple, but the execution is intense: you must convince a nine-person jury of the defendant's guilt or innocence.

In the game, the struggle unfolds like a mental tug-of-war. You'll use an open drafting mechanic to pick the best cards, attempting to strengthen your arguments and win the trust of the jurors. It's not just about having the best cards; you need to know exactly when to play them to recruit jurors to your side and present evidence that is impossible to ignore. It is a simulation where rhetoric and set collection strategies dictate who wins the case.

Will you be able to manipulate the evidence and the jury's opinion to save Mary Surratt from the gallows, or will the government's thirst for vengeance prevail and you secure the conviction? With fast-paced matches and moderate strategic weight, the game puts you in charge of a legal drama where every card played could be the final verdict. It's the perfect blend for those who love history, politics, and that feeling of 'winning the argument' as you push the victory toward your side of the board.

## FAQ
### Is the game complex? Does it take long to learn?
Not at all. It has a medium weight (2.5), so the rules are straightforward, but the strategy of when to play your cards is where the real challenge lies.

### Can I play with more than two people?
No, the game is specifically designed as a duel between prosecution and defense. Exactly 2 players.

### How long does a game last?
It's very snappy! A match takes about 30 minutes, making it great for a quick session.

### Do I need to know the history of Lincoln's assassination to play?
It's not mandatory, but it helps with immersion. The game does a great job of setting the historical context for you.

### Is the game heavily dependent on luck?
There is dice rolling, so there's an element of luck, but the open draft allows you to plan your moves to mitigate the randomness.