After winning its independence from England, the United States finds itself embroiled in a prolonged battle with pirates. For nearly a decade, pirates from Tripoli, Tunis, and Algiers capture American merchant ships, seizing cargo and enslaving their crews. Rulers in each pirate nation demand exorbitant tribute payments in order to prevent these attacks.

When President Jefferson refuses to pay increased tribute demands, Tripoli declares open war. 

The Shores of Tripoli is a two player card driven strategy game simulating the first Barbary War (1801-1805). 

Play as President Thomas Jefferson or Pasha Yusuf Karamanli

As Jefferson, you’ll have the power to dispatch small fleets from the newly formed US Navy to blockade and bombard Tripoli or send envoys to negotiate new alliances and plot an armed revolt.

As Karamanli, you’ll rally as many regional allies as you can to constantly harass American merchant fleets, gathering gold and spreading the US naval forces thin.

Event cards capture the essence of the era, but your decisions will ultimately determine the course of history and your nation.

Tune in for a deep dive into the game and the rich history that surrounds it.

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

The Shores of Tripoli   Fort Circle Games |  BGG