The Shores of Tripoli

About this board game

The Shores of Tripoli is a 1–2-player historical game about the First Barbary War, playable in around 60 minutes. Set in 1801, it recreates the clash between the young United States and Tripolitania across the Mediterranean.

As the United States, one player pressures Tripolitania to permit the free movement of American merchant vessels. A squadron of observation enters the Mediterranean, but the mission quickly becomes a wartime response after the bashaw of Tripoli declares war.

As the bashaw of Tripoli, the other player continues the profitable piracy of the Barbary corsairs while confronting the American threat at sea and on land. Both sides use historical events and leaders represented by beautifully illustrated and informative cards.

• Move ships and conduct naval battles
• Launch pirate raids
• Engage in diplomacy
• Receive reinforcements

The game includes more than 80 wooden playing pieces, 24 dice, and a premium mounted map. These components support a focused recreation of an important episode in early American military history, while the card-driven events bring the period’s personalities and turning points to the table.

The Shores of Tripoli earned recognition as Best 2-Player Game of 2020 from New York magazine and Meeple Mountain, and it was also nominated for Game of the Year 2020 by Meeple Mountain. It received additional honors from outlets and organizations including Paste magazine, Rolling Dice & Taking Names, RMN Gamer, and The Spiel Foundation.