Verdun

About this board game

Verdun is a 1v1 or 2v2 partnership card game for 2–4 players, with games taking around 30 minutes. It revisits the German and French armies fighting across the World War I battlefields of Verdun.

Before the first round, each team secretly organizes one of its Assets behind each of its five Fortifications. Each player then receives a hand of 12 cards, which are played across a series of 12 tricks. As hands dwindle, players may have to play cards that help the opposing side, making timing an important part of every decision.

In each trick, both teams try to minimize Casualties on their own side while protecting their Assets and Fortifications. The teams alternate being the Attacker, reflecting the back-and-forth nature of the battle and ensuring that the pressure continually shifts across the table.

• Play as opposing teams in a 1v1 game or form 2v2 partnerships.
• Secretly position Assets behind five Fortifications before the first round.
• Play 12 cards in 12 tricks while managing dwindling hands.
• Balance attacking enemy positions with protecting your own side.

Teams score points by overrunning opposing Fortifications and capturing their Assets. They also earn points for protecting their own Fortifications and Assets, while Casualties reduce their score. Every card played carries consequences, creating a tension-filled challenge throughout each round.

A game of Verdun lasts from one to three rounds. After three rounds, the team with the most points—or the least negative score—wins.