GMT Games
A Distant Plain
Game Description
Immerse yourself in the heart of the modern Afghan conflict with A Distant Plain, a compelling board game from GMT Games' renowned COIN Series. Designed by the brilliant minds of Volko Ruhnke (Labyrinth: The War on Terror) and Brian Train (Algeria, Somalia Interventions), this 2013 title takes you directly into the complex dynamics of irregular warfare. With a duration of approximately 300 minutes, it offers a deep and strategic experience for 1-4 players, challenging them to navigate precarious alliances and conflicting objectives.
A Distant Plain builds upon the acclaimed game system of titles like Andean Abyss and Cuba Libre, enriching it with new factions, capabilities, events, and objectives specific to Afghanistan. For the first time in the series, two counter-insurgent (COIN) factions must overcome conflicting visions to coordinate an effective campaign against a dangerous dual insurgency. This aspect introduces an unprecedented depth of asymmetric strategy, making every decision crucial within the context of the Afghan conflict and the simulation game.
The title introduces innovative mechanics that adapt the COIN system to the unique conditions of Afghanistan without adding rule complexity. COIN Series players will immediately feel at home, yet be transported to a completely different place and time. Among the new features are:
- Coalition-Government Joint Operations
- Pakistan’s Volatile Posture in the Conflict
- Evolving COIN and Insurgent Tactics and Technologies
- Government Corruption and Desertions
- Coalition Casualties
- Return of Afghan Refugees
- Pashtun Ethnic Terrain
- Multiple Scenarios
- A Deck of 72 New Events
The game system seamlessly integrates political, cultural, and economic affairs with military operations and other violent and non-violent capabilities. Thanks to the included flowcharts for managing the three Afghan factions, A Distant Plain is also perfectly playable in solitaire mode, allowing you to tackle the complex strategic decisions that characterize today's Afghanistan, for 1 to 4 players.
GMT Games
Rules - A Distant Plain
A Distant Plain is a board game for 1-4 players that simulates the complex and ongoing Afghan conflict. As part of Volko Ruhnke and Brian Train's renowned COIN Series, the game immerses participants in a modern irregular warfare experience, with an estimated playtime of approximately 300 minutes per game. Players take control of one of four main factions: two counter-insurgent (the Coalition and the Afghan Government) and two insurgent, each with unique objectives and strategies to pursue to gain influence or control over the territory.
The heart of the gameplay is a card-driven system, where each turn an event card is revealed that dictates opportunities and challenges. Players choose from a range of military and non-military operations, integrating political, cultural, and economic aspects. Key actions include:
- Conducting joint operations between the Coalition and the Government.
- Influencing Pakistan's posture in the conflict.
- Developing tactics and technologies for one's own factions.
- Managing government corruption and defections.
- Controlling Coalition casualties and refugee flows.
This system allows for a deep and branching simulation, where every strategic decision has a significant impact. The game is designed to be accessible to veterans of the COIN Series and offers multiple scenarios to vary the experience. For solo games or games with a reduced number of players, flowcharts are included to manage the Afghan factions not controlled by players, ensuring a complete and immersive conflict experience.
Ready to play A Distant Plain?
Join the community, find players in your area and start your adventure!