Anno Domini: VIP

About this board game

Anno Domini: VIP is a historical card game for 2–8 players that plays in about 30 minutes. This set focuses on events connected to very important persons and can be played on its own or combined with other Anno Domini sets.

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

Players take turns placing one card into the shared timeline, trying to keep the events in chronological order. Instead of adding a card, a player may challenge the existing order by claiming that it is incorrect. The cards are then turned over so the years can be checked.

• If the timeline is correct, the challenger takes two cards and skips their next turn.
• If the timeline is wrong, the previous player takes three cards.
• The first player to get rid of all their cards wins.

Knowledge helps, but bluffing is just as important. Many events are obscure or difficult to date precisely, creating plenty of uncertainty, unexpected reversals, and social interaction around the table. The result is a game built around surprises, discussion, and the enjoyment of testing what you think you know about history.

There is no English edition; the game is in German, making it a possible way to practise existing German skills or begin learning the language. Anno Domini: VIP is part of the Anno Domini series, and combining sets is described as the best way to play.