Faithful to the books, AGoT revolves around achieving power. The game is separated into rounds, each consisting of 7 stages. The preliminary stages grant each player multiple options for amassing their House by finding the optimal combination for randomly drawn cards. The later stages of the round are devoted to challenges between the houses and a show of dominance after the dust is settled. The rounds are repeated until a player has achieved 15 power points.

 

 

Living card game. What’s that, you ask? The term Living Card Game (“LCG”) distinguishes AGoT from a Collectible Card Game (“CCG”) because each chapter pack contains the same cards. With a little research, you know exactly what you’re buying. There’s no massive spending on countless booster packs hoping to score a rare card.

 

Themed. The decks are based around the various houses of GRR Martin’s best-selling novels. Not only are the characters specific to the houses (with some mercenary exceptions), but the overall flavor of each house is adapted into their play style. House Stark, for example, relies on its heavy military power and stalwart characters. Similarly loyal to the books, House Lannister decks typically benefit from a large number of gold-providing cards. On the whole, the card game matches the story. 

 

Table-talk. Melee games (3+ players) lend themselves to discussion, whether in the form of impromptu negotiations or trashtalk. During a game, alliances crumble just as easily as they were built. A table with open dialogue—hostile, conniving, or otherwise—proves to be an energetic and exciting game.

 

Strategy. A key concept in AGoT is resource management. How and when you play your cards (characters, events, attachments, locations, plots) and initiate challenges dictate your success. Maximizing your resources (power, gold, influence, cards) and minimizing your opponent’s is vital to winning. It’s not a game for the shortsighted, as each match requires the player be on their toes and constantly thinking.

 

Customization. The diversity of the cards allows for almost unlimited customization. More experienced players enjoy deck building, testing out new strategies and card card synergies. The different keywords and character abilities add a further dynamic to the game. Challenges amongst players are not often cut and dry, so you have to be wary of what your opponent might have up his sleeve.

 

 

Long story short, AGoT is a relatively inexpensive game that can provide an evening of fun. Feel free to send me a PM or ask about it at the next FGS event if you're looking to play!