Mexican Standoffs in games

[img]i.imgur.com/KGDBr4R.jpg

Inspired by Egg's recent Trashdome, I got to thinking....How many games are good at handling three opponents against each other simultaneously that don't create a clear kingmaking situation?

I've never played it, but I'd hope that Cash & Guns handles this.

From my collection, Condottiere does this very well. It's not unusual to find yourself as one of three that have committed to a city and per the situation don't necessarily want to be the one fielding the stronger army. Is someone going to bishop you? If you don't stay high someone may lay the key. When do you play your Winter because you feel in your gut a Spring may be in someone's hand. Etc.

Lots of tension and great fun.

What other games portray this situation well?

Edit, scratch the lark i wrote about 3 player games in general

High society auctions can turn out like mexican standoffs. Toward the end, if three players need that last big points card and they aren't sure who has spent the most cash they can keep going up until someone cracks and bails.

Neuroshima Hex is sort of a big mexican standoff. You put down guys pointing guns at each other until someone calls NOW by dropping a battle tile. You can't easily climb down in Neuroshima though.


Never played Cash and Guns with 3 but it is an excellent stand off.

Age of Mythology...Big time. I mean every game I've played in was just army build build build with no one willing to attack. As a battle between player A and player B will be won by player C. When he picks at their bones.

Cash and Guns does this very well.

Pax Porfiriana.

Tigris and Euphrates

Jeff are you referring to FFG's version or Eurogames'?

Dogs of War.

Rise of the Triumvirate was good, from what I remember.

Maria does a good job, by making it two different 2 v 1 fights at the same time.

Dr. Mabuse wrote: Jeff are you referring to FFG's version or Eurogames'?

Good point, Herr Dr. I was referring to the FFG edition. It's quite a bit more vicious with the change to the Bishop and the addition of the Spring card.

I did recently pick up the Eurogames edition to play with the family though. Bigger board, bigger cards, art is more colorful, less special rules...perfect!

Having a Condottiere for all occassions, I'm living the dream!