Pax Pamir Board Game (2nd Edition)

This was a hit Christmas Day and started to be played that evening by grandson and siblings.

I have been playing hobby board games for 5 years now and have amassed a collection of nearly 100 of my favorites. This game is currently my favorite game I've played! The decision space is tight and engaging, the play time is very reasonable for this weight of game, and with changing loyalties players will go in and out of working against and with one another.The game opens up to much more negotiation at higher player counts and is much more strategic and chess-like with 2 players. I would say my favorite player count is probably 3 or 4 players but it plays well at all player counts - especially solo if that's your thing! Outside of the game design & mechanics themselves, Pax Pamir 2e is very, very well produced! Cloth map, detailed resin pieces, stained wood ruler tokens, and wood player markers. Art, I believe, was all sourced from actual pieces and there is not a single area in this game that doesn't have art - inside the box lid, under the insert, on the back of the player dials, gorgeous card backs, back of player mats, etc.In summary... This game is a must-play for any avid board gamer, and once you've played a couple times to fully grok the game I'm fairly confident you'll want to pick up a copy. I foresee Pax Pamir 2e remaining one of my favorite games for a very long time!

This is a tableau building game, in the vein of Race for the Galaxy or Glory to Rome. It also has a map attached with connection between cards and map. But everything you do is to the benefit or detriment of your opponents.Set in the era of the "Great Game" between Russian and Britain in post Napoleonic Afghanistan. 3 coalitions(British, Russian, Afghan) are fighting over the country after the fall of the Durrani Dynasty. You are one of several tribesmen who are working to keep themselves on top after the dust clears. Work for or against one of the 3 coalitions, as well as against the other tribesmen.It looks great, the cloth map and pieces are stunning. the cards have lots of good information and are clear. the gameplay is deceptively simple. a relatively low rules-weight but lots of depth in the game. I'm absolutely in love with the game. but be aware, it can be vicous, and those wanting a pleasant "build your own stuff" or multiplayer solitaire style game will not enjoy it.

There's a rule in Pax Pamir that encapsulates its genius. "Players are free to discuss the game during play and explicitly coordinate their actions. However, any agreed-upon deal should be considered non-binding." In other words, double-crossing is allowed!Pax Pamir puts you in the mind of an Afghan tribal leader, with only situational allegiance to your own government, or to the imperialist British or Russians. It is a brilliant abstraction of governance, alliance, espionage, war, assassination, taxation and bribery. Despite its breadth and depth, Pax Pamir plays relatively quickly. This won't keep you sitting for an hour-plus.I have only played two-player and solo, and I can see how this game would shine with more players. Still, it is an excellent game at smaller player counts. My teenage daughter is my only playing partner, and she hates games with a historical theme, but we both love Pax Pamir.

This is a truly excellent game with some unique mechanics and fun game play. There is good player interaction as well. Some tableau building games can be a bit solitaire-ish. This one is definitely not like that at all. A superb design.