Chicago during Prohibition -- influential Mafia clans are fighting for control of individual districts, and they aren't squeamish in their tactics, with the weapons of violence, extortion and bribes being commonplace. In the underworld of organized crime, you can't do much on your own. Only those who are allied with other Mafia clans can take over entire neighborhoods. Alliances will switch more often than the weather; your enemy last round will now stand with you side-by-side. Whoever maintains valuable contacts with judges, the police, bank managers and other influential people have a good shot at the lucrative business of smuggling alcohol right under their noses.

Each round is fought in another district, with some problems being solved by live ammunition and others requiring bribes and good relations. If you have the right cards in hand, you can nose ahead of others -- but bluffing is allowed. The winner of the round receives his spoils in whiskey bottles (which are victory points) or ways to expand his criminal network. Whoever has the most whiskey bottles after 10-12 rounds wins. All in all, Chicago Gangsters combines elements of luck, strategy and cooperation.

A "Godfather" variant is included for 3-4 players, but to achieve that status you need to double-cross your ally and take all the loot for yourself in a round.

Description written by W. Eric Martin and used with permission of BoardgameNews.com