Here I Stand
- Designer Ed Beach
- Publisher GMT Games , Banana Games , Ergo Ludo Editions , Udo Grebe Gamedesign
- Illustration Rodger B. MacGowan , Mark Simonitch
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Here I Stand, you lead one of six great powers in Europe from 1517 to 1555. The game blends card management, diplomacy, and dice rolling on a point-to-point map. You build alliances, wage wars, and play event cards to disrupt opponents. The diplomacy phase involves secret negotiations, adding a dynamic political layer. Games last between three and six hours depending on scenario and player count.
Who Is This Game For?
Here I Stand targets experienced hobbyists and expert players aged 14 and up who enjoy complex, long-duration strategy games. The playtime of up to six hours demands patience and strategic depth. Prior experience with complex wargames or card-driven mechanics is beneficial due to detailed interactions.
How It Works
The game uses a combination of Campaign/Battle Card Driven, Hand Management, and Dice Rolling mechanics. Players move units along point-to-point routes using movement points, manage their hand of cards to trigger political and military actions, and resolve battles with dice. The diplomacy phase enables secret deals between players. Event cards can be played by any power to influence the game state.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Ed Beach, Here I Stand won the 2006 Walter Luc Haas Best Simulation Award. It uniquely integrates political, religious, and military aspects of the Reformation period into a single card-driven wargame. It's part of the Continent-Europe historical family and is notable for its emphasis on diplomacy.
Awards
2006, 2007
- 2006 Charles S. Roberts Best Pre-World War II Boardgame — Nominated
- 2006 Charles S. Roberts Best Wargame Graphics — Nominated
- 2006 Walter Luc Haas Best Simulation — Winner
Pro
- Comprehensive integration of politics, religion, and warfare
- Innovative card-driven mechanics with diplomacy
- Long playtime allows deep strategic planning
- Winner of the 2006 Walter Luc Haas Best Simulation Award
Contra
- Very long playtime (up to 6 hours)
- High complexity requires significant learning
- Recommended for ages 14 and up
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in Europe during the Reformation from 1517 to 1555, featuring political, religious, and military conflicts among six major powers including the Ottomans, the Papacy, and Protestant states.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand the mechanics and diplomacy phases thoroughly before playing.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Here I Stand is designed for two to six players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts between three and six hours depending on the scenario and number of players.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with complex wargames or card-driven mechanics is helpful due to the game's detailed interactions.
How does this compare to similar games?
Here I Stand uniquely combines political, religious, and military conflicts with strong diplomacy in a card-driven wargame.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced players aged 14 and up rather than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its blend of Campaign/Battle Card Driven, Hand Management, and secret diplomacy phases distinguishes the game.
Fazit
Here I Stand is recommended for players seeking a deep, lengthy strategic experience. Its complexity and duration make it less suitable for casual or quick gaming sessions.
