A Gest of Robin Hood
- Players
- 2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.0 / 5
- Year
- 2024
About the game
A Gest of Robin Hood is a two-player asymmetric wargame pitting Robin Hood and his Merry Men against the Sheriff of Nottingham and his Henchmen in 12th-century England. Players use Plots, Deeds, and Events to recruit and move forces, sway the peasant population, raise or collect taxes, and rob travelers, all while pushing a Royal Favour marker along the Justice/Order track. As the second entry in GMT's Irregular Conflict Series, it adapts the acclaimed COIN system into a leaner, more approachable format built for exactly two players. It offers a tense, hour-long duel that works equally well as an introduction to wargaming or a quick, tight challenge for veterans.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team appreciates how this distills COIN-style asymmetric conflict into something you can teach and finish in an evening. The push-your-luck raiding and hidden-movement elements keep both sides guessing, and the historical Robin Hood folklore gives it charm rare in wargames. It's strictly a two-player game, so it won't suit groups looking for something more inclusive.
What we like
- Approachable entry point into the COIN-style asymmetric wargame family.
- Fast, tense duel that plays in about ninety minutes.
- Strong thematic tie to Robin Hood folklore and medieval England.
- Hidden movement and push-your-luck raiding create real tension.
Keep in mind
- Strictly limited to two players.
- Asymmetric factions require learning two different playstyles.
- Niche wargame appeal may not suit casual groups.
Who it's for
Ideal for two players who enjoy tense historical or asymmetric duels, from wargame newcomers wanting an approachable entry point to veterans after a tighter, shorter session.
