This week we gathered at Miniature Market Rock Hill to get in one of our super sized board game projects, in this case “Taifa”. This game is part of our expanding catalog of games in our History Through a Different Lens Initiative. As such it is not only a good afternoon’s entertainment for the group, but in doing so provides us with a refresher on the particular game rules and mechanics.
Covered in the game is the period of 11th Century Spain and the clash between the Christian and Muslim forces hoping to control the Iberian Peninsula. Making it a perfect fit for a Western Civ Class.
Jay was kind enough to take a few notes of the events and we will turn the narrative over to him…..
“The semi-retired gang got together for some Taifa action in Spain. (This is one of Kevin’s blown up board games with a big map and 3D printer made pieces by DJ for a very pleasant and large looking game). This is an unusual game in that there are always 6 players. Each player takes a position and if there are not 6 human players, then the balance are made up with bot players. This game depicts the conflict between Muslims and Christians on the Iberian peninsula. Each side has 3 positions but essentially it is each player for themselves as it is possible for Muslim vs Muslim or Christian vs Christian conflict to take place. “
“Since we had 5 players, DJ and Steve L take two of the Muslim positions while Kevin, Tim and Jay take the Christian positions. The last Muslim position is run by a bot. The game has 3 rounds with multiple player turns in each round. All action is card driven with 3 different types of cards. The first type of card are combat cards, which as the name implies, are for fighting. The second type of card are event cards. These can give a faction bonuses, make peace between two positions, incite revolts, etc. The last type of card are response cards. These are generally played in response to attacks but can be used to for a few other things. To win the game, a position must have 13 cities on the map.“
“As we open the first round, Jay manages to take a neutral border town between him and Steve. DJ opens the festivities with Kevin by wiping out Kevin’s city of Guadalajara. Kevin and DJ then spend the rest of the turn filling up Guadalajara’s graveyard as both make repeated attacks to take control of it, but fail. Tim makes a late surge in the round. The light blue bot has also been busy taking some neutral cities near it. At the end of the round, the standings in the number of cities each player controls is: light blue bot 11, Tim 10, Jay and DJ 9, Steve 8, Kevin 7.”
“We deal out the cards again for round two. Kevin finally gets Guadalajara back under control. Jay makes Steve’s life miserable with several event cards that result in Steve losing a couple of cities and Jay getting one of them. Steve tries to counter attack, but is unsuccessful for the moment. As the round proceeds, Tim captures another city and players are also aware the light blue bot is on the verge of victory. Jay manages to attack and take over one of his cities and it also pushes Jay to the brink of victory with 12 cities on the board. Steve is finally successful in taking back one of his cities from Jay. Unfortunately for the rest of the board, the light blue bot manages to place their 13th city for a bot win.”
“The final standings were light blue bot 13, Jay and Tim 11, Kevin 8, DJ and Steve 6.”
“With the early end of the game, the players had a bit of a post game debrief. This is a good quick little game (well, not so little with Kevin’s version) and the ability to handle up to 6 players is definitely a plus. The rules are relatively simple and easy to pick up. “
Thanks to Jay for the photos and write up these are always engaging. A Thank You to all the players who came out to enjoy a fun afternoon of gaming. As always we extend our ongoing appreciation to Miniature Market Rock Hill for their continued support.
Remember to shop local!
Big Muddy Historical Game Alliance of Greater St. Louis
Our public educational demonstrations including rules and game evaluation sessions use historical miniature and historical board gaming to explore military history, historical decision-making, and the people, places, and events of the past.
Historical Gaming in Action is a public educational program presented by the Big Muddy Historical Game Alliance of Greater St. Louis.
Using miniature figures, terrain, maps, historical research, and guided play, our games explore military history through the decisions faced by commanders, soldiers, and communities. Visitors can examine the table, ask questions, learn about the historical setting, and—when space and time permit—join the game.
Our scenarios are based on historical sources. While game rules simplify some details for practical play, each event is designed to encourage discussion of historical events, geography, leadership, logistics, strategy, and the human experience of conflict.
Historical gaming can be both enjoyable and educational. Big Muddy provides public educational demonstrations, seminars, and convention programming that promote historical miniature gaming and military history.
