Tanto Monta: The Rise of Ferdinand & Isabella, 1470-1516

Step into the pivotal era of the late 15th century with "Tanto Monta: The Rise of Ferdinand and Isabella," an intricate board game that brings to life the political and military struggles that shaped modern Europe, presented by Boarding School Games. This game immerses players in the complex tapestry of alliances, conflicts, and ambitions that defined the period from 1470 to 1516, a time when the Iberian Peninsula was a mosaic of competing Christian and Muslim realms.

In "Tanto Monta," players assume the roles of four emergent powers: Spain, under the joint rule of Ferdinand and Isabella seeking to unify Castile and Aragon; the Muslim forces defending the rich heritage and territories of Granada and North Africa; Portugal, driven by the spirit of exploration under Prince Henry the Navigator; and France, emerging from the shadows of the Hundred Years' War, ready to assert its dominance. Each player controls both a major and a secondary power, navigating the delicate balance of warfare, diplomacy, and exploration.

The game's rich strategic depth is matched by its historical authenticity, offering a board that spans the western Mediterranean, including the tumultuous landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula, Southern France, the Italian states, and the Maghreb. Additionally, an exploration map extends the theatre of operations to Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the New World, reflecting the Age of Discovery's dawning.

"Tanto Monta" is distinguished by its sophisticated game mechanics, drawing from esteemed predecessors like "Here I Stand" and "Virgin Queen." Players must skillfully manage their hands of cards, representing political, military, and exploratory actions, to advance their agendas and accrue victory points. The game introduces new elements such as siege artillery and cavalry units, enhancing the tactical possibilities in land combat, and an extended spring phase allowing for headline events that can dramatically alter the course of play.

Designed for exactly four players and lasting up to 7 turns, each turn in "Tanto Monta" is a tense and immersive 45 minutes of historical strategy. With victory points as the ultimate goal, players must forge and break alliances, conquer territories, and perhaps even chart unknown lands to emerge victorious.

Available at Boarding School Games, "Tanto Monta: The Rise of Ferdinand and Isabella" is not merely a game but a portal to one of history's most dynamic periods, offering endless hours of engaging gameplay for enthusiasts of history, strategy, and diplomacy.

- Players: 4
- Game Length: Up to 7 turns, approximately 45 minutes per turn
- Features a detailed map of the western Mediterranean and an exploration map for voyages
- Incorporates sophisticated card-driven game mechanics for actions and events
- Introduces new gameplay features like siege artillery, cavalry charges, and headline events