Lenin's Legacy

From BoardGameGeek:

Lenin's Legacy is a fast-paced solo or two-player game about the power struggle between Stalin and Trotsky in the early days of the USSR, starting the moment Lenin’s health began to weaken after a failed assassination attempt in 1918 and culminating with Lenin’s death in 1924. Players will take on the role of either Stalin or Trotsky, playing cards from a common display (plus one hidden card each) to gain control of “issues,” such as the NKVD, Politburo, and personal access to Lenin. Cards can also be played for specific historical events, and additional Region and Politician cards may enter play each round, favoring whichever player was able to control the relevant issue in the previous round. Victory can be achieved in three different ways: control of the Army, domination of the Party, or lasting Fame after Lenin’s death. Players must therefore balance short-term gains towards each of these conditions with long-term bonuses from Regions and Politicians, while also ensuring that their opponent is not able to play the cards that will most benefit them. The result is a tense, fast-paced game where every card counts and you always have to stay one step ahead of your opponent. —description from the publisher