Hannibal: Rome vs. Carthage

To set up the game, place the game board, the province control display, and the strategy and battle card decks. Each player receives their general cards, general pawns, and combat units as specified by the chosen scenario. Additionally, players place their political control markers on the province control display and on the game board according to the initial setup instructions for the scenario. Ensure all components, including dice and additional markers, are within reach.

The primary objective is to achieve political dominance by controlling the majority of the 18 politically significant provinces by the end of the 9th game turn. Alternatively, a player can win immediately by capturing the opponent's capital city (Carthago for Carthage, Roma for Rome). A player also wins if their opponent is unable to place a political control marker when required, or if the opponent loses control of their capital city.

Each game turn consists of players alternating actions using strategy cards. A strategy card can be used in three ways: to play an event (if the card's color matches the player's faction or is neutral), to activate a general (moving them and their army), or to place political control markers in provinces. Generals can move across roads, mountain passes, or via naval movements. When generals enter enemy-controlled spaces, battles or sieges may occur, depending on the type of space.

At the end of each game turn, after all strategy cards have been played, a victory check is performed. Players compare the total number of politically significant provinces they control. The player who controls fewer provinces must remove a number of their political control markers from the board equal to the difference in controlled provinces. If a player cannot remove the required number of markers, they lose the game.

The game concludes at the end of the 9th game turn. At this point, the player who controls the majority of the politically significant provinces wins. The game can also end prematurely if a player captures the opponent's capital city, or if a player is unable to place a political control marker when required, resulting in an immediate loss for that player.