Condottiere

Condottiere

BluffingCard GameNegotiation
Players
2-6
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
5 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
45 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
2.0 / 5
Year
1995

About the game

Condottiere is a classic bidding and area-control game set in Renaissance Italy, where players vie to conquer four connected provinces. On each turn, players auction off provinces and bid using a hand of cards depicting mercenaries, seasons, and political figures. Unusually, every bidder loses their committed cards, not just the loser, making the timing of your bids as important as their strength. Special effect cards can flip contests on their head, keeping every province auction unpredictable.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's editorial team loves Condottiere as a lean, mean bidding game that still holds up decades after release. The mixed bag of special-effect cards keeps even a straightforward-seeming bidding war full of surprises. It's simple enough to teach quickly but layered enough to reward repeat plays. A great gateway into bluffing and bidding games for groups of up to six.

What we like

  • Simple rules hide surprisingly deep bluffing and bidding decisions.
  • Special-effect cards keep every auction unpredictable.
  • Quick 45-minute playtime suits many group sizes.
  • Classic, well-regarded design that has aged well.

Keep in mind

  • Losing a key province can feel harshly punishing.
  • Card draw luck affects available bidding options.
  • Some editions have relatively thin component quality.

Who it's for

Great for casual and family groups aged 10+ in groups of 2-6 who enjoy bluffing and bidding games.

Mechanics

Area Majority / InfluenceAuction / BiddingHand Management

Games similar to Condottiere