Shasn Cup is back in Mumbai with its second edition for all those who love politics

Participants at a game session. Pics Courtesy/Instagram

In the board game Shasn, you don't win by chance or luck. You strategise every move. Creator Zain Memon tells us, "It is a political strategy game where everyone is a politician campaigning for an upcoming election. At the heart of it, it is a competitive game that requires a deep level of strategic thinking which we created to facilitate a healthy way to have political conversations while having fun." After their first nationwide tournament in 2019, the Shasn Cup is back for its second edition where six gaming events across 45 days will be held in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. The Mumbai leg of the tournament will be held over the next three Thursdays from October 5 onwards.

Zain Memon

The competition will have four qualifying rounds leading to the semi-final showdown, the city championship final and the grand finale where finalists from each city will go head-to-head for the winning title. The grand finale will be held on October 26 and will have the finalists flown down to Delhi, Mumbai or Goa where the event will be live-streamed for all. The extended duration of the second edition will allow participants to meet other board gamers while engaging in multiple games of strategy, diplomacy and political intrigue. Those who emerge as winners will win the prestigious trophy, prize money as well as other prizes.

Explaining the basics of the gameplay, Memon shares, "At every turn, you take a stand on a political issue by answering a question. You win resources like campaign funds, media attention, and clout on the streets based on how you respond. Employ these resources to influence voters in different districts. The person with the backing of the most voters in the country at the end of the game wins the election."

Developed between 2018 and 2019, the game was made available globally in March 2021. Memon shares that the game's development has had a journey of its own. He notes, "It went through many iterations before it reached the final version. The first tournament was played when the game wasn't even in its final version, it evolved as players developed strategies that I couldn't even imagine. I'm hoping to see that happen again as the players get into action at the second tournament." Those interested in learning tricks and plays of the game can head to the Shasn YouTube channel to watch the first tournament's grand finale. "The first tournament was extremely tense, and packed with a lot of action," Memon concludes.

On: October 5, 12, 19 and 26; 6 pm to 10 pm
At: Doolally Taproom, Khar West
Log on to: insider.in Participation fee Rs 300 onwards

Creator's game tips

>> Don't draw attention to yourself. It might result in the rest of the players making concerted efforts to bring you down
>> You don't have to be politically clued-in or a politician to play the game. Focus your techniques on strategising, negotiating, diplomacy and using all your available resources smartly
>> Always be sceptical even when working with others to bring a player down because there can only be one winner at the end of the game