Conflict of Alliances: Warring States

About this board game

Conflict of Alliances: Warring States is a two-player game of diplomacy and warfare set in ancient China, with a playing time of approximately 60 minutes. The game begins in 312 BC, when Qin has become the most powerful state in China.

One player controls the horizontal alliance, while the other controls the vertical alliance. Qin seeks to unite the states through a horizontal alliance, while the opposing strategy is to conquer the states through a vertical alliance. The struggle is fought not only on the battlefield, but also through negotiations and changing loyalties.

Each state except Qin may belong to the horizontal alliance, the vertical alliance, or remain neutral. Alliances are not fixed: a state can shift to the opposing alliance and may come under the other player’s control during the game. This makes diplomatic pressure a central part of every decision.

A simple card-driven mechanic brings diplomacy and warfare together while also incorporating reinforcements and initiative, known as 天时. The system offers a focused way to represent the competing strategies and political instability of the Warring States period.

• Two-player competition between horizontal and vertical alliances
• Diplomacy, warfare, reinforcements, and initiative
• States that can be neutral, change alliances, and change control
• A simple card-driven system that is easy to learn but difficult to master

Released in 2011, Conflict of Alliances: Warring States includes plenty of examples in its rule book and play book, helping players explore its layered diplomatic struggle.