Prelude to the Revolution: Russia's Descent into Anarchy 1905-1917 (English)

The Russian Revolution was one of the most defining events of the 20th century – it saw the fall of the last autocratic monarchy of the modern era, led to the rise of the Soviet Union, and created a social and political platform that gave us Josef Stalin, the GULAGs, and the Cold War. But these critical days of 1917 were the culmination of more than a decade of political, social and ideological conflicts in Russia.

Prelude to Revolution: Russia’s Descent into Anarchy, 1905-1917 is a two-player card game that immerses players in these turbulent years. The actors (the Revolutionary and the Government) try to extend their influence across the capital, to influence the masses, workers and soldiers to their cause, and to build grassroots organizations. They will wage fierce political battles in the Duma – both against their opponent and between the moderate and extreme parties of their own faction! Meanwhile, global events like World War I influence events, and the growing threat of outright revolution looms over time. Can you navigate the competing pressures and priorities and lead your faction to victory?

The game is divided into three major historical eras – The Years of Troubles (1905-1913), The Great War (1914-1916) and The Collapse (1917).  Each Era offers a personalized deck of actual or potential events, as well as a Generic deck. Cards can trigger Events or provide Action Points to be used to mobilize Influence (place cubes on Tracks) in Urban Districts or the Duma, purchase Special Actions, affect different game circuits, etc. Key Events and Personalities have a significant impact on the game. Politics in the Duma are complex – each player has an extremist party (Bolsheviks for the revolutionaries, monarchists for the government). The more powerful the extremists become, the more danger they pose to their own faction!

To win, a faction must accumulate 20 victory points during the game, or have the most at the end of the last turn. However, if the Bolshevik Coup trail rises too high, then the unpredictable Red October! the scoring sequence is triggered. Or, if the tsar's prestige rises too high, then autocracy is reimposed and the game ends in a draw.