The game Inis has deep roots in Celtic history and mythology, where players win by being elected as the King of the Island (Inis). Players attempt to achieve one of three different victory conditions:

• Leadership: To be the leader—meaning having more clansmen figures than any other player—in areas containing at least six enemy clans.
• Land: To have your clans present in at least six different areas.
• Religion: To have your clans present in areas totaling at least six sacred sites.

At the beginning of each round, players choose four action cards during the Assembly. Action cards that are not played by the end of a season are not carried over to the next. Players also have access to leader cards for areas where they have elected leaders during the assembly. Each Assembly redistributes these cards. Finally, they collect "epic story" cards depicting the deeds of ancient Irish gods and heroes, such as Cu Chulainn, Daghda, Lugh, and many others. These cards are kept and used to inspire clans and achieve extraordinary deeds under the right conditions. The cards offer a variety of actions: adding clans, moving clans, building/exploring, and special actions. Throughout the game, players also earn deeds that decrease the total in any victory condition by one.

Careful card selection, hand management, bluffing (especially once players understand the importance of passing their turn), timing, and precise understanding of the power balance are keys to victory. After a discovery game, players are ready for a full and epic game where an undisputed player will become king through the Assembly because of their value and wisdom.

Although Inis has "figures" placed "on a map," it is a mistake to play it as a combat game, as eliminating other clans reduces your chances of achieving the leadership victory condition. Peace among different clans, with or without a clear leader of an area, is the usual result of a clans' movement. Naturally, battles will occur, as Celtic clans can be fierce, and a good player will listen to their clans' "people" (i.e., their hand of cards). This combat aspect is reflected in the clans' miniatures representing warriors. Carpenters, shepherds, and merchants complete the set of twelve miniatures for each player; these professional categories do not impact gameplay but add character.

Awards & Recognitions

• 2019 Nominated for the Juego del Año
• 2017 Nominated for the Strategic Game of the Year at SXSW
• 2017 Nominated for the RPC Fantasy Award
• 2016 Nominated for the Game of the Year Award at the Golden Geek
• 2016 Nominated for Best Strategy Game at the Golden Geek
• 2016 Nominated for Best Artwork & Game Presentation at the Golden Geek
• 2016 Nominated for the Striker Laurel at the Cardboard Republic