Learning History While Playing {Cards}

A friend of mine posted how much her family loves a card game called Historical Conquest. My husband LOVES history. We LOVE games. So I quickly sent a note asking if they would be interested in a review being posted on Curriculum Choice – they happily agreed – so here we are today!

So… what exactly is Historical Conquest? Well, as explained by the creator, it is a card game that mixes the similarities of Yu Gi Oh {card game} and Risk {strategic board game}. I would agree with this completely.

This is a VERY intricate and involved card game that took quite a bit of time and investigation for our family to figure out. I did eventually find an introduction video that helped cleared some things up as well as a ten page file of instructions. Both of these helped immensely – but there is still a learning curve. With that said, let’s get down to the specifics.

This game has a suggested age of 8 and up. Each player needs their own “starter deck” which consists of 50 cards. Each of these decks consists of 6 land cards, 6 explorer cards and the rest are character or event cards. On the first turn everyone gets to lay down a “land card” as well as three other cards. When laying down the three other cards, you hope for an army card as well as some strong character cards. After the first turn you must have an “explorer card” in order to be able to lay down any more of your land cards. After the second round you are allowed to “attack” any of your opponents. Additionally, there are “interrupt cards” that can be played at any time in order to ‘stop’ something that is happening in the game. As I said … it is a VERY involved game. There are two ways to win: be the first to get 3,000 morale points or be the first to take all your opponents land. It is not a fast moving game. It is a game that requires thought. With that said, you will find yourself reading the cards (therefore learning history) while you wait. (I saw my eight-year-old doing this!)

Let me share that the three guys in the family really like and enjoy this game – I however did not enjoy this game. Although I GREATLY ENJOYED hearing my eight-year-old son say, “I have that card in Conquest!” as we are watching about The Boston Tea Party on Liberty’s Kids. THAT is HUGE for me and definitely a selling point!

Part of my frustration with this game is that the rules are not laid out very clearly from the beginning. As you play some of the rules start to make more sense but because the creators are not yet done creating additional card decks they plan to add, some of the instructions are a bit confusing to work around. However, two of our family members are not bothered by this and absolutely love playing this game!

Historical Conquest does take time to learn and getting assistance from the owners can take a few days but overall it is an excellent way to help kids learn about history without them reading strictly out of a book. They will be learning and they won’t even realize it because they are ‘just having fun’.

Would we recommend this game to other homeschoolers? Yes, we would! [But with the notice that it will take time and patience to learn and play BUT it will be a game enjoyed by those playing. Additionally, this game is probably best learned by playing it with others who have already played it – if possible – but as with our family, you can learn your way through it if necessary.]

Discount Code

There are currently six different starter decks, five extension packs and two mats available to purchase. As a special bonus, you – our wonderful readers – are provided a special 10% off discount! Simply use code CHOICE at checkout.

Here’s praying you have fun learning!

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