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Fire in the Lake
GMT Games · 2014
1–4180 min4.2/5 complexity8.1 BGG#557 BGG8,5 KKidsStrategy
⚡ short answer
How do you play Fire in the Lake?
The primary objective for each player is to achieve their faction's unique victory conditions. These conditions are typically tied to controlling a certain number of population points, maintaining specific resource levels, or achieving other strategic goals outlined on their faction's player board. The game is a struggle for control and influence over Vietnam during the conflict.
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the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
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01
Setup
The game board is set up with various pieces representing troops, bases, and control markers according to the chosen scenario.
The rules, step by step
Setup
To set up the game, players first choose a scenario (Short, Medium, or Full). The game board is then populated with various pieces including troops, bases, and control markers as specified by the chosen scenario. Event cards are prepared by separating Coup cards and Pivotal Events, then shuffling and dealing Event cards into piles. Coup cards are strategically placed within these piles to trigger Coup rounds. For Period Events, specific cards from certain years are used to maintain historical accuracy and balance.
Objective
The primary objective for each player is to achieve their faction's unique victory conditions. These conditions are typically tied to controlling a certain number of population points, maintaining specific resource levels, or achieving other strategic goals outlined on their faction's player board. The game is a struggle for control and influence over Vietnam during the conflict.
On your turn
Each turn begins with an Event Card phase, where a new Event card is drawn and placed. This card may have immediate effects or set conditions for the upcoming round. Following this is the Sequence of Play, where factions (US, ARVN, NVA, VC) take turns performing operations (Op) or limited operations (LimOp), or executing the Event on the card. The turn concludes with a Coup Card phase, which is a critical juncture for scoring and game progression.
Scoring
Scoring happens during the Coup Card phase. Each faction's current resources, support, and control over regions are checked against their specific victory conditions. For COIN factions (US and ARVN), resources are calculated based on controlled population and aid. For Insurgent factions (NVA and VC), resources are based on their trail level and bases. Casualties and commitment levels also impact scoring. If a faction meets its victory condition, the game may end.
Game end
The game can end in two primary ways: either a faction immediately meets its victory condition during a Coup Card phase, or the game concludes after the final Coup Card of the game is played. If multiple factions meet their victory conditions simultaneously, tie-breaking rules based on their score differences are applied. If no human player achieves victory, the bots win.
Tips
Players can choose from different scenarios (Short, Medium, Full) to vary game length and complexity. The Short scenario is quicker, while the Full scenario offers a longer, more detailed experience. Using Period Events is recommended for historical immersion and to ensure a balanced deck. Players should pay close attention to the placement of Coup cards, as they dictate when scoring rounds occur and can significantly alter game dynamics. Understanding the unique capabilities and limitations of each faction is crucial for strategic planning and achieving victory.
game anatomy
Complexity4.2 / 5
BGG rating8.1 / 10
Vibe
KidsStrategy
Language dependence
Extensive text — heavy translation needed
Play time
180 min
Players
1–4
BGG rank
#557
from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective for each player is to achieve their faction's unique victory conditions. These conditions are typically tied to controlling a certain number of population points, maintaining specific resource levels, or achieving other strategic goals outlined on their faction's player board. The game is a struggle for control and influence over Vietnam during the conflict.
Q2How do you set up the game?
To set up the game, players first choose a scenario (Short, Medium, or Full). The game board is then populated with various pieces including troops, bases, and control markers as specified by the chosen scenario. Event cards are prepared by separating Coup cards and Pivotal Events, then shuffling and dealing Event cards into piles. Coup cards are strategically placed within these piles to trigger Coup rounds. For Period Events, specific cards from certain years are used to maintain historical accuracy and balance.
Q3How does a turn work?
Each turn begins with an Event Card phase, where a new Event card is drawn and placed. This card may have immediate effects or set conditions for the upcoming round. Following this is the Sequence of Play, where factions (US, ARVN, NVA, VC) take turns performing operations (Op) or limited operations (LimOp), or executing the Event on the card. The turn concludes with a Coup Card phase, which is a critical juncture for scoring and game progression.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Scoring happens during the Coup Card phase. Each faction's current resources, support, and control over regions are checked against their specific victory conditions. For COIN factions (US and ARVN), resources are calculated based on controlled population and aid. For Insurgent factions (NVA and VC), resources are based on their trail level and bases. Casualties and commitment levels also impact scoring. If a faction meets its victory condition, the game may end.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game can end in two primary ways: either a faction immediately meets its victory condition during a Coup Card phase, or the game concludes after the final Coup Card of the game is played. If multiple factions meet their victory conditions simultaneously, tie-breaking rules based on their score differences are applied. If no human player achieves victory, the bots win.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
Players can choose from different scenarios (Short, Medium, Full) to vary game length and complexity. The Short scenario is quicker, while the Full scenario offers a longer, more detailed experience. Using Period Events is recommended for historical immersion and to ensure a balanced deck. Players should pay close attention to the placement of Coup cards, as they dictate when scoring rounds occur and can significantly alter game dynamics. Understanding the unique capabilities and limitations of each faction is crucial for strategic planning and achieving victory.
Q7How much does Fire in the Lake cost?
No store is currently tracking Fire in the Lake. Check the Prices tab — you can set a price alert to be notified when it appears.
Q8Where can I buy Fire in the Lake cheapest?
Check the Prices tab — howtoplay.ro aggregates offers from 7+ Romanian board-game stores and tracks price history.
Q9How do you play Fire in the Lake?
Fire in the Lake is a civil war game, for 1–4 players, taking ~180 minutes, featuring area majority / influence. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Fire in the Lake — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Fire in the Lake support?
Fire in the Lake is played by 1–4 players.
2 shops
All prices
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Regatul JocurilorStandard (EN)easyboxCultural voucher
Fire in the Lake (2022 English Second Edition)
○ out of stock
RON 449
Buy →out of stock
Red GoblinCHECKED 25 DAYS AGOStandard (EN)easybox
Fire in the Lake Second Edition
○ out of stock
RON 499
Buy →out of stock
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Price history
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Price trend over the last 90 days: minimum 358 lei, maximum 499 lei, now 499 lei.
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