A Few Acres of Snow (2011) – Board Game Guys

A Few Acres of Snow

“A Few Acres of Snow” is a two-player, deck-building strategic level board-wargame designed by Martin Wallace. The game is set in the 18th century and revolves around the French and British conflict in North America. The name of the game is derived from a phrase used by Voltaire, “quelques arpents de neige,” which refers to the French and British conflict over what is now Canada.

Why is A Few Acres of Snow Popular?

The game is popular and significant because it focuses on a lesser-known yet crucial period in history, the French and British conflict in North America. This conflict had significant implications for the development of the region and the establishment of the United States and Canada as independent nations. The game allows players to recreate this contest and change the course of history through their decisions.

Game Components of A Few Acres of Snow

Deck of Location Cards: Each location on the map has a corresponding card that players add to their deck upon capturing the location.

Empire Cards: These cards represent various actions and resources, such as ships for transport and home support for drawing additional cards.

Map: Depicts the North American territories, with spatial considerations and connections between locations.

Player Aids: Lists all the actions and symbols used in the game.

How To Setup A Few Acres of Snow

Setup involves each player starting with a small deck of location cards corresponding to the locations they control at the beginning. The French player starts with additional cards such as infantry, traders, and bateaux. The map is laid out, showing the initial controlled and uncontrolled locations. Players prepare their decks and understand the available actions and connections on the map.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-Building Mechanic: Players add new cards to their deck by capturing locations and drafting Empire cards.

Card Play: Each turn, players can take two actions using the cards in their hand. Cards can have multiple uses, such as symbols for trading or starting sieges.

Spatial Considerations: The map influences gameplay, with location control and connections affecting strategy.

Game Objective: The game ends when one side captures 12 points worth of settlements or when one side runs out of villages or towns. The player with the most victory points wins, or specific auto-win conditions can trigger if key locations are sieged.

Player Experience

Playing **A Few Acres of Snow** is a complex and engaging experience. The game has a steep learning curve due to the vast array of choices and the need to manage both the deck and the map. It requires multiple games to fully understand the strategies and card interactions, making it more suited for players with a regular gaming partner. Experienced players can significantly outmaneuver new players, adding a layer of challenge and replayability.

Pros

Deep Strategy: The combination of deck-building and spatial considerations offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.

Replayability: The game has high replayability due to the many strategies and card interactions.

Historical Theme: It provides a unique perspective on the French and Indian War, integrating historical elements into the gameplay mechanics.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game has a daunting number of options and rules to grasp, which can be intimidating for new players.

Asymmetric Play: While the asymmetry between the French and British decks adds depth, it also means that playing against the same opponent repeatedly could lead to predictable strategies.

Map Design: The map can be unintuitive, requiring frequent reference to location cards to understand connections.

Personal Thoughts on A Few Acres of Snow

**A Few Acres of Snow** is ideal for experienced gamers who enjoy deep, strategic games and are willing to invest time in learning the intricacies. It is particularly suited for gaming pairs who can explore and evolve their strategies together. However, it is not a game for casual players or those who prefer quick, straightforward gameplay. If you’re ready to dive into a complex, historically themed game with immense replayability, **A Few Acres of Snow** is an excellent choice.

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