This version is played like regular Risk with one crucial exception: Along with your armies and those of your opponent, there are also "neutral" armies on the board that act as a buffer between you and your opponent.
This feature gives the two-player version much the same strategic flavor as the regular RISK game.
Setup
The two players each select a complete set of armies. Then either of them picks the third set to be "neutral".
Take 40 Infantry pieces from each of the 3 sets and claim territories in the following manner:
Remove the Secret Mission cards and the 2 "wild" cards from the RISK card deck.
Shuffle the pack and deal the cards face down into three equal piles.
Both you and your opponent choose a different pile. The remaining pile is "neutral".
Place one of your Infantry onto each of the 14 territories shown on the Risk cards in your pile. Your opponent does the same.
Then place one "neutral" Infantry onto each of the remaining 14 "neutral" territories.
After every territory on the board has been claimed, you and your opponent take turns placing your remaining armies:
- Place two Infantry onto any 1 or 2 of the territories you occupy.
- Place one "neutral" army onto any "neutral" territory you want, placing it to block your opponent's possible advance.
After all the armies have been placed on the board, return the two "wild" cards to the RISK card deck, shuffle the deck and start to play.
Attacking
On your turn, you may attack any adjacent territory to one of your own. Whenever you attack a "neutral" territory, your opponent rolls to defend that territory.
Neutral armies don't attack and never receive reinforcements during the game.
Winning
To win, be the first to eliminate your opponent by capturing all of his or her territories.
You do not have to eliminate the "neutral" armies.
Note: (Usually, all "neutral" armies are eliminated before the end of the game).
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