1960: The Making of the President

About this board game

‘1960: The Making of the President’ is a thrilling and immersive board game that takes players back in time to one of the most significant and closely contested presidential elections in American history. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the dawn of the Space Age, this game offers players the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of the two contenders: Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.

The goal of the game is to secure the presidency by winning the majority of the Electoral College votes. As players traverse the map of the United States, they must strategically manage resources, build public support, sway undecided voters, and tackle key issues of the time.

The game employs a card-driven system which is the core mechanic of the game. In each round, players draw from a shared deck of cards, each representing influential figures, significant events, or key issues from the era. These cards can be used for various purposes such as gaining momentum, adding support, or even altering the political landscape of the game.

Another unique aspect of the game is the Debate phase. In this phase, players can attempt to dominate the discussion on key issues to gain a significant advantage in the upcoming election. This involves a strategic and tense back-and-forth, as players utilize their cards to gain control of the issues and influence the political leanings of the states.

What makes ‘1960: The Making of the President’ truly unique is its historical authenticity and its ability to blend strategy, contingency, and political intrigue into a deeply engaging gaming experience. As they navigate the game, players not only gain an insight into the complex and high-stakes world of political campaigns but also a deeper understanding of the pivotal events and issues that shaped the course of American history.

• Theme: The game revolves around the 1960 U.S. Presidential Election, featuring historical events, figures, and issues of the era.
• Setting: The game board is a map of the United States, representing the political landscape of the time.
• Core Mechanics: The game uses a card-driven system, where the cards represent influential figures, events, or issues and can be used for various strategic purposes.
• Unique Features: The game includes a Debate phase, where players vie to control the discussion on key issues, and a ‘Momentum’ mechanic that allows players to gain an edge by seizing the initiative at crucial moments.

Whether you’re a history buff, a political enthusiast, or just a fan of strategic board games, ‘1960: The Making of the President’ offers a unique and compelling gaming experience that is as educational as it is entertaining.