Frederick the Great: The Campaigns of The Soldier King 1756-1759 (1975) Board Game

Frederick the Great: The Campaigns of The Soldier King 1756-1759 is a board game that was released in 1975 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. The game is set during the Age of Reason and focuses on the military campaigns of Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia, between the years 1756 and

The designers of the game, Edward Curran and Frank Davis, aimed to recreate the strategic and tactical challenges faced by Frederick the Great during this period of history.

Game Components of Frederick the Great: The Campaigns of The Soldier King 1756-1759

Game Map: One map representing Central Europe

Rules Folder: Includes detailed rules for gameplay

Die-Cut Counters: Counters for units, leaders, and other game elements

Dice: Used for resolving combat and other events

Scenario Booklets: Four scenarios for the years 1756 to 1759, with additional scenarios added in the Avalon Hill edition

How To Setup Frederick the Great: The Campaigns of The Soldier King 1756-1759

Setup involves placing the game map, distributing the counters according to the chosen scenario, and ensuring each player has the necessary rules and components. The game starts with the reinforcement phase, where players receive additional units and resources based on the scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: One player controls Frederick the Great and his British-Hanoverian allies, aiming to replicate Frederick’s successes against numerically superior armies. The other player controls the Coalition forces (Austria, France, Russia, Sweden, and the Holy Roman Empire).

Game Phases:
– Reinforcement Phase
– Morale Recovery Phase
– Depot Creation Phase
– Phasing Player March Phase
– Non-phasing Player Forced March Phase
– Combat Phase
– Siege Resolution Phase
– Non-phasing Player Attrition Phase

Turn Structure: Each turn represents two weeks in game time, with both players going through the phases sequentially.

Player Experience

Playing **Frederick the Great** is a deep and challenging experience, focusing on supply and maneuver rather than direct combat. The game requires careful planning and execution, as battles are often used to punish opponents’ mistakes rather than as a primary goal. Reviews highlight the game’s ability to evoke 18th-century warfare but also note the potential for lengthy gameplay and significant luck factors.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Successfully captures the essence of 18th-century warfare.

Deep Strategy: Emphasizes supply and maneuver, making it a challenging and enlightening experience.

Classic Mechanics: Combines dice rolling and hex grid movement effectively.

Detailed Scenarios: Includes multiple scenarios covering different years of the Seven Years’ War.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can last six to eight hours.

Luck Factor: Decisive battles can turn on a single die roll.

Bias in Scenarios: Some scenarios, like the 1756 campaign, are biased in favor of Frederick.

Complex Rules: Requires a significant investment of time to learn and master.

Personal Thoughts on Frederick the Great: The Campaigns of The Soldier King 1756-1759

**Frederick the Great** is a game tailored for those interested in historical wargaming and deep strategic gameplay. It is ideal for players who appreciate the nuances of 18th-century military tactics and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. While it may not be for everyone due to its complexity and length, it remains a classic in the wargaming genre, offering a unique and enlightening experience for those who delve into it.

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