1960The Making of the President

Item: 1960: The Making of the President
Rating: 62
Author: Board Game Tavern

Overall rankJoint#291 of 353

Kennedy against Nixon, fought with a hand of cards and a lot of worry.

Game rating: 62/100
Players: 2
Play time: 120min
Age: 12+

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Our review

A two player card game about the 1960 US presidential election, with one of you as Kennedy and one as Nixon. Each card can campaign, advertise or take a position on an issue, or you can play it for a stronger but pickier event. It shares a lot with Twilight Struggle, also in our catalogue. A fine pick for history and politics fans who like hard choices in their hand.

About the game

Kennedy against Nixon, fought with a hand of cards and a lot of worry.

Rating breakdown

Fun Factor: 18/25; How engaging and enjoyable the game is.
Gameplay Depth: 15/25; Meaningful choices, replayability, and room to improve.
Ease of Use: 12/25; How easy it is to learn the rules and get started.
Craftsmanship: 17/25; Component quality, artwork, and production finish.

What works

Most of the action lands in the final weeks, and the debates and election day have their own rules.
It won the 2008 International Gamers Award for Best 2-Player Game in General Strategy.
GMT's 2017 second edition has new component art.