Playing Politics

by Michael Laver

Published 22 November 1979
This is a collection of games based on politics. From games such as "Agenda" and "Coalitions" to three-sided soccer, the reader is shown how to fight elections, overthrow governments, and make deals, all with the object of winning or holding on to power. The double-dealing is designed to mirror real-life political situations. In both the world of politics and the world of games, outcomes are decided by calculated interactions between the players as they balance team tactics against self-interest, weigh up the risks, or use their bargaining power. The games can be played by anyone, and during play the players can experience the complexity of real politics. To play the games the requirements are: money (real or otherwise), forfeits and rewards, packs of playing cards, badges, a timer (for example, an egg-timer), and a blackboard/white-board or large score-sheet. Optional items include: music, lighting, and costume.