Santa Cruz 1797 (2017) Board Game

Santa Cruz 1797 is a board game that takes place during the Napoleonic era, specifically focusing on the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife that occurred in in 2017. This historical battle between the British and Spanish forces serves as the backdrop for this strategic wargame.

Game Components of Santa Cruz 1797

Mapboard: A mounted mapboard depicting the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Command Cards: 56 cards divided into two decks (27 for the Spanish player and 29 for the British player).

Combat Dice: 6 dice used for resolving combat.

Wooden Blocks: 22 blocks (red for British units and white for Spanish units, with additional blocks for fortresses).

Morale Marker: Placed on the Morale Track.

Turn Marker: Placed on the 2:00 a.m. box.

Confusion Cards: British “Confusion” cards placed on the Auxiliary Board.

How To Setup Santa Cruz 1797

To set up the game, place the mapboard in the middle of the playing area. Each player shuffles their respective deck of Command Cards and draws an initial hand (6 cards for the British player and 5 cards for the Spanish player). The Morale marker is positioned in the half-red/half-white middle position on the Morale Track, and the Turn marker is set to the 2:00 a.m. box. The British “Confusion” cards are placed on the Auxiliary Board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Driven Mechanics: Players use Command Cards to maneuver their forces and engage in combat.

Block Movement: Wooden blocks represent units, which are moved across the mapboard.

Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved using combat dice, with hits determined by specific card effects and dice rolls.

Victory Points: The objective is to control Victory Point areas, which represent key buildings and defensive points in the city.

Action Phases: Each player has an Action Phase where they can play up to three Command Cards, with specific rules for Orders and Assault cards.

Player Experience

**Santa Cruz 1797** simulates the chaotic and confused street fighting during the night battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797. Players experience intense tactical decision-making, as they maneuver their units and manage their hand of Command Cards to achieve strategic objectives. The game is designed for two players, enhancing the direct competitive aspect and requiring careful planning and adaptation.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is based on a significant historical event, offering a unique and educational experience.

Tactical Depth: The combination of card-driven mechanics and block movement provides a rich and challenging gameplay experience.

Competitive: Designed for two players, fostering a direct and intense competitive atmosphere.

Cons

Complexity: The game involves intricate rules and card interactions, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Component Management: Managing the various cards, blocks, and markers can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Santa Cruz 1797

**Santa Cruz 1797** is ideal for history buffs and fans of tactical board games. It offers a nuanced and engaging experience that simulates the complexities of historical warfare. The game is best suited for players who enjoy strategic planning, card management, and competitive gameplay. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game players.

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