Anno Domini: Im Namen des Gesetzes

About this board game

Anno Domini: Im Namen des Gesetzes is a historical card game for 2–8 players that takes about 30 minutes to play. Players race to get rid of their cards by placing events in what they believe is chronological order.

Each set contains 340 cards. Every card describes a historical event on one side and gives the year, sometimes with a specific date, on the other. Players receive nine cards each, or fewer for a shorter game, but may initially look only at the descriptions.

On a turn, a player adds one card to the developing timeline, trying to place it correctly among the cards already played. Instead of adding a card, a player may challenge the entire sequence by claiming that the order is wrong. All cards are then revealed so the timeline can be checked.

• If the challenged order is correct, the doubting player takes two cards and misses a turn.
• If the order is incorrect, the previous player takes three cards.
• The first player to get rid of all their cards wins.

Exact historical knowledge is not the only path to victory. Many events are obscure or difficult to date precisely, making bluffing and judgment just as important as knowledge. The result is a surprising and enjoyable social game in which players may even learn something along the way.

This edition focuses on historical events involving things that went completely wrong. It can be played on its own or combined with other Anno Domini sets, which offers the best way to play. There is no English edition, but the game can help improve existing German skills—or provide a reason to learn German. Released in 2003, Anno Domini is a lively choice for players who enjoy uncertain timelines, challenges, and pure fun.