Twilight Struggle

You play as either the US or the USSR during the Cold War. You play historical event cards to gain influence in different countries around the world. Every card can be used for its event or for operations points. The tension comes from drawing your opponent's event cards, which forces you to trigger them eventually. It is an intense tug-of-war that requires you to manage constant crises. It takes a few hours and requires a lot of strategic foresight. A brilliant two-player duel.