About the Game

Where can I buy the game?

The game is currently available at The Game Crafter. However, I regularly place orders with them so if you live in Sweden and are interested in a copy, please feel free to contact me.

How does this game differ from the rest of the Nova Suecia games?

First of all, it's a card game. Nevertheless, behind the cards (literally as they have hidden objectives) hide many of the characteristics known from the Nova Suecia series: the absence of randomness as the players choose how to vote, the balance between cooperation and competition where the members need to secure a majority for their interests without benefitting others too much, and the historical theme. The theme may be different from the Swedish 17th century but the ambition to include authentic details wherever they fit the game remains the same. Player who enjoyed the Nova Suecia series will find a lot to enjoy in this totalitarian regime as well.

What makes Politburo different from other games?

There are many deduction games with hidden objectives but not that many where the objectives are intertangled as in Politburo. Not only must you know who may support your vote, you must also take into account who will benefit the most of a vote.

As a general secretary, who should I select to vote?

Analyse all players' previous votes carefully to deduce their objectives and assess which ones will support your vote. If you can't obtain a unanimous vote, include the player whose objective is most known by the other players to force him or her to choose whether to vote with them or risk a purge.

About the Rules

How is the game best taught to others?

Explain the different objectives of the member, emphasizing that some want negative ministry levels and some positive. Walk through the three phases of plan, execute and purge with hints on how the different objectives may be played. Emphasize the importance of bluffing and deceiving. Since the game is so fast, play a practice session rather than going into detailed scenarios.

As a member, may I vote against my own objective?

Yes. Sometimes you may be forced to do it to avoid a purge, sometimes you may do it to deceive the other players regarding your objectives so that you may be included in more votes where you may start voting for your objective.