Kernstown (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kernstown is a board game that focuses on the American Civil War battle that took place in 1862 in Virginia. It was a significant battle in the Shenandoah Valley campaign and was a key moment in the Civil War. The game aims to recreate the strategic decisions and tactical maneuvers that occurred during this historic battle.

Game Components of Kernstown

22″x34″ map

2 x 5/8″ counter-sheets containing 352 counters

Rulebooklet

5 charts/player aids

Event chits (Unique and Common) colored blue for Union and gray for Confederate.

How To Setup Kernstown

Setting up Kernstown involves laying out the 22″x34″ map, which features key locations such as the Pritchard House and Pritchard’s Hill. Players then deploy their units according to the scenario being played, using the provided counter-sheets. Each player receives their set of Event chits and other necessary player aids. The game turn marker and draw cup are also prepared for the Chit-Pull System.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:

Chit-Pull System: Players draw chits from a cup, which determine unit activations, events, and other game-altering occurrences.

Dice Rolling: Used for resolving combat and other critical actions.

Grid Movement: Units move on a hexagon grid, simulating regimental-scale battles.

Event Chits: Include Unique Events and Common Events that can be played immediately or held for later use.

Game Objective:

The objective is to simulate the battles of Kernstown on March 23, 1862, and July 24, 1864, with the goal of gaining victory points by achieving military objectives. The game ends after the final Game Turn, and the player with the most victory points is declared the winner.

Player Experience

Kernstown offers a deep and immersive experience, emphasizing the “fog-of-war, friction-of-war, and fortunes-of-war” through its mechanics. Players must make tactical decisions based on the chits drawn, managing activations, events, and combat. The game demands strategic thinking and adaptability, making each playthrough unique and challenging.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Detailed simulation of the American Civil War battles.

Depth and Complexity: Engaging gameplay with multiple layers of strategy.

Replayability: High replay value due to the random nature of the Chit-Pull System.

Immersive Mechanics: Effectively captures the unpredictability and challenges of wartime command.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Complex rules and mechanics may deter new players.

Long Playtime: Games can last from 120 to 480 minutes.

Limited Player Count: Designed for only 1 to 2 players.

Personal Thoughts on Kernstown

Kernstown is ideal for those who are passionate about historical warfare simulations and are looking for a challenging, strategic game. It is particularly suited for wargamers who appreciate the intricacies of regimental-scale battles and the unpredictability introduced by the Chit-Pull System. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and long playtime, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort to master its mechanics.

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