Border States is a small tactical game for 2 players, with each player taking control of one side of the American Civil War, either the Union or the Confederacy. Your aim is to win the sort of decisive victories in various regions that will influence the Border States (including Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware) and rally them to align with your cause. Effective bluffing, and at the same time being able to discern your enemy’s intentions, will be your best assets in this hidden block game that is fast playing, plays in about 45 minutes or less, and has some very unique and interesting player choices about how to use the leaders and assets at their disposal. The game comes down to a victory in one of two ways including control of sufficient States tokens to win by sudden death, or the most victory points at the end of the 5 rounds.

We really enjoyed this one and had a good time. This makes for a perfect filler game after you have battled it out with a heavier game for hours.

We published an interview with the designer Stéphane Brachet and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2021/03/31/interview-with-stephane-brachet-designer-of-border-states-from-shakos-currently-on-kickstarter/

-Grant