- BGG rank
- BGG #2,812
- BGG rating
- 7.1
Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War
1992
Rules assistance for Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2 players
- 30–45 min
- 12+
- Complexity 2.4/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War is a board game released in 1992 for 2 players, 30–45 minutes per game, and ages 12 and up. It was designed by Robert Abbott and its main mechanics are Variable Set-up, Grid Movement, and Pick-up and Deliver.
About the game
A strategic two-player abstract with a heavy deduction element. At the start of the game, neither player knows how their own pieces move. Via performing attempted moves, each player tries to deduce the movement of their own pieces. As you determine how to move your pieces, your goal is to capture the neutral piece, initially located in the center of the board, and deliver it to your opponent's side of the board. From the new Stronghold Games version, Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War: The Cold War. A dangerous time for the world. A dangerous time to be a spy... but that is exactly what being a spy is all about. As the shadowy clouds of intrigue and subterfuge settle across the globe you have been called upon by your country to obtain the Top Secret information that will ensure your country's safety and supremacy. But not all is as it seems; your spies are difficult to control on a global scale, and even worse, there's a Double Agent in your midst who threatens the entire mission! At the start of a game of Confusion, players aren't aware of the talents and skills their own spies possess! Your opponent can see what your spies can do, but you cannot. Your job as a wise leader is to first deduce exactly how each of your spies move, then employ your knowledge by using each spy for maximum effect. But be on alert, because your opponent has placed a double-agent in your team of spies! The first player to take the Top Secret Briefcase from the middle of the board and deliver it to his opponent's capital is the winner. Can you achieve your goals at the expense of your opponent, or will the entire operation collapse in a sea of Confusion? Confusion is game #1 in the Stronghold Games "Castle Line".
Designers
Publishers
- Stronghold Games
- franjos Spieleverlag
Questions and answers
Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War supports 2 players according to the catalogue. This is the publisher’s listed player count, so the game is designed for exactly that number of participants. Variants for other group sizes, if any, are described in the rulebook of your edition, so check it before setting up a different configuration.
The listed playing time for Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War is 30–45 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War for ages 12 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War has a complexity rating of 2.4 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War belongs to these categories: Deduction, Abstract Strategy, and Bluffing. Its main mechanics are Variable Set-up, Grid Movement, and Pick-up and Deliver. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War are: Robert Abbott. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Confusion: Espionage and Deception in the Cold War as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.