Corrupt Bargain: The 1824 Presidential Election

About this board game

Corrupt Bargain: The 1824 Presidential Election is a strategic election game for 2–4 players, with games generally lasting 60–90 minutes. Each player takes the role of one of the major candidates—Adams, Clay, Crawford, or Jackson—and directs that candidate’s campaign organization.

Set during the 1824 Federal Election, the game combines campaigning, strategic alliances, and behind-the-scenes political maneuvering. Players must decide how to pursue electoral success while building the influence needed to shape the final result.

The election can be won outright by securing a majority of the Electoral College votes. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the decision moves to the House of Representatives, where the candidate who wins the most states becomes president. This creates a central tension: should you focus on winning the popular vote, gather Electoral College support, or seek political influence for a possible House decision?

• Play as Adams, Clay, Crawford, or Jackson.
• Campaign for popular support and Electoral College votes.
• Use alliances and political influence to prepare for the House of Representatives.
• Adapt your strategy for games with two, three, or four players.

Player count significantly changes the strategy and play experience. With different numbers of candidates competing for control, the balance between direct campaigning, negotiation, and political maneuvering shifts from game to game.

Corrupt Bargain includes a mounted game board depicting the United States in 1824 and 200 cards, including 80 event cards describing events from the election and its historical period. Simple mechanics support tactical card play and plentiful strategic plans, making this a focused contest for presidential victory.