Conspiracy

About this board game

Conspiracy is a negotiation and bluffing game for 3–4 players, with a playing time of about 90 minutes. First released in 1973, it challenges players to move a top-secret briefcase to their headquarters using eight spies that anyone can control.

The game includes four capitals, four bankbooks, the briefcase, and eight greedy spies. Each player begins with an account of $10,000 and may secretly pay off spies in increments of at least $100. On a turn, a player can either make a secret payment or openly move a spy one space.

Every open move carries a risk. Another player may challenge it, causing both players to slowly reveal how much money they have invested in the spy involved. If the challenger has more, the move is rescinded. If the defender wins, the move remains in place and the challenger loses their next turn.

• Bluff and bribery: Secretly build influence over the spies.
• Challenges: Contest an opponent’s move and risk losing your next turn.
• Negotiation: Cooperate openly against the player closest to victory.
• Direct reversals: Use a conspiracy or even murder a spy to turn the tables on a leading player.

With no dice, cards, or luck involved, Conspiracy focuses on reading opponents, managing limited money, and choosing when to cooperate or betray. Players must work together when necessary, because ignoring a rival who is one space from winning can end the game quickly.

The Amigo version, Casablanca, was published in 1991 and supports up to eight players.