Palace Coup

Historically in the Third World, coups have changed more governments than elections since World War II. Most coups involve using part of the armed forces of a country to seize power from a ruler, though there is usually little overt conflict – the coup d’etat is generally a much less bloody way of seizing power than its distant cousin, the popular revolution. In the game, two or more players act as the leaders of political or professional factions in a fictional country. Some players will be plotting, individually or severally, to effect a change in the existing government. They will be opposed by others who wish things to remain as they are. But who is which, and what do they really want? The game is played in two phases: the Pre-coup Phase where players attempt to secure support for their faction in the military, paramilitary and civilian sectors and thwart the others; and the Coup Phase where loyalist and rebel sides face off in direct combat. Games are short and fast, normally 45 minutes or less. —description from the designer