A Great Game about….The Great Game!

Pax Pamir - a game of political skullduggery set in Afghanistan during the 19th century

The back of the box showing some of the components

I would not usually bother showing the inside of a box lid but this is really lovely to see

The ‘Great Game’ of course refers to the political shenanigans ‘twixt the British, the Russians and a whole host of Afghanistan and central Asian territories during the 19th century. The gist of it was that the British were wary of Russian plans and influence so close to India - and the Russians were wary of the proximity of the British to their own central Asian spheres of influence. For the locals it was a case of attempting to  trying to play both ends against the middle and either working with either of the great powers or attempting to form a viable coalition to be able to stand alone - an undertaking that would be a challenge given the regional propensity for double dealing, skullduggery and intrigue. This is a rude and very simplistic overview of what went on and so for more detail about the ‘Great Game’ click on the link. An essential read would be Peter Hopkirk’s excellent book ‘The Great Game’ - a copy of which I have winging its way to me courtesy of evil bay as my own sadly disappeared during the great missing box disaster of years gone by.

Pax Pamir is a game based on the situation in Afghanistan following the collapse of the Durrani Empire. Essentially players represent Afghan leaders, all of whom are attempting to forge a new state. It is a game of alliances, backstabbing, bribery, assassination, currying favour in one hand whilst wielding a knife in the other and all the while contending with the British and Russian ‘Ferengi’ (foreigners) - who can used or abused as required (usually the former). The game is designed for 1 to 5 players and events are driven by cards which interact and effect the course of affairs in many different ways. As a largely solo gamer having the ability to play this single handed against what looks like a quite challenging solo card deck is a real bonus although playing it with five people would be a blast. Sadly it would probably be too long for a club night but perhaps it will be something to think about going forwards.

A selection of the game components - note the use of period artwork

The map and more of the components - cards, coins and coalition blocks.

Production quality is quite frankly off the scale. The game cards (there are 142 split across three types) all feature coloured artwork and are beautiful to look at. Personalities from period along with troop types and special events also feature. All the playing pieces are top quality and the version I have contains the optional metal coins as well as the card counters included. The game map is actually printed on linen and has a kind of period feel to it - a nice touch.

Yup! Flashman makes an appearance!

I am really pleased to have gotten a copy of this game as the period is certainly an interesting one and is replete with gaming potential. A few year ago I flirted with a fictional NW Frontier setting - the Roghan Valley - and fought a couple of actions using my block armies. It was all good fun but for one reason or another I never really pursued it. Whilst Pax Pamir is not a Wargame as such I hope that by playing it I might dabble in some games set in the Roghan Valley once again.

We shall see!