La Révolution française: La patrie en danger 1791-1795

About this board game

La Révolution française: La patrie en danger 1791-1795 is a political negotiation game for 4–6 players, played over approximately 180 minutes and released in 1995.

The game begins in October 1791, when the Legislative Assembly is installed, and ends in September 1795. Each player represents a Political Current—a shifting group of politicians rather than a permanent political party—and works to strengthen that Current’s position while increasing its fame.

Diplomacy and negotiation are at the heart of play. The game also includes forces and elements outside the players’ control, but these react to the players’ actions, creating a changing political environment throughout the period.

• Represent a shifting Political Current during the French Revolution.
• Use diplomacy and negotiation to strengthen your position.
• Build fame and pursue victory points.
• Face several possible endings based on the political regime and players’ results.

One of the game’s defining features is its strict seating arrangement. Players sit from left to right according to their Current’s political stance: Sans-Culottes occupy the left, Royalists the right, and other Currents sit between them.

Negotiations must take place from the table, since players cannot leave the room, although they may whisper. This makes secret discussions easier with a neighboring player than with someone on the other side of the aisle.

In historical terms, the period ends with the installation of the Directorate in September 1795. In La Révolution française: La patrie en danger 1791-1795, however, the game may conclude in several ways depending on the current regime and each player’s victory points.