A House Divided: War Between the States 1861-65 (1981)

A House Divided

A House Divided is a strategic level board wargame set in the American Civil War for two players, featuring point-to-point movement, low-complexity rules, and relatively few counters to maneuver. It was designed by Frank Chadwick and published in 1981 by Game Designers Workshop (GDW). The game simulates the epic struggle of the American Civil War that was fought over the twin issues of slavery and state’s rights.

Why is A House Divided Popular?

A House Divided owes much of its popularity to its relatively simple rules, with more advanced rules for experienced players, and features a playing board covering most of the United States mainland. The game is played over a series of up to 40 game turns, each game turn being divided into two player turns, with the Union player having the first player turn every turn. The game was chosen for inclusion in the 2007 book Hobby Games: The 100 Best and has won several awards, including the Charles S. Roberts for Best Pre-20th Century Boardgame of 1981.S. Craig Taylor, Jr. commented, “Games that imitate reality on the game’s own selected level without bogging down in details are often referred to as elegant, and that, in one word, sums up the appeal of A House Divided, the little game that could, and places it unmistakably onto any list of the very best wargames”.

Game Components of A House Divided: War Between the States 1861-65

Game Board: Covers most of the United States mainland, including boxes for cities, roads, railroads, and rivers.

Counters: Represent infantry and cavalry units, each containing 10,000 to 15,000 infantry or 7,000 to 10,000 cavalry.

Unit Ranks: Militia, Veteran, and Crack units, with promotions occurring after victorious battles or during the promotion phase.

Control Markers: Used to indicate control of territories.

Dice: For resolving combat and other game mechanics.

How To Setup A House Divided: War Between the States 1861-65

Setup involves placing the game board, deploying the Union and Confederate units according to the initial deployment rules, and ensuring each player has the necessary control markers and dice. The game starts in July 1861, with the Union player taking the first turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Each turn consists of four phases – Movement, Combat, Promotions, and Recruitment.

Movement: Units move on a point-to-point system, with cavalry and infantry having different movement capabilities.

Combat: Resolved using dice rolls with modifiers for factors like entrenchments and river crossings.

Victory Conditions:

Union Victory: Control all Confederacy cities with recruitment values of 2 and 3.

Confederacy Victory: Capture Washington DC, achieve a higher Army Maximum than the Union, or avoid a Union victory by the end of the 40th turn.

Game Duration: Up to 40 turns, each representing one or two months depending on the time of year.

Player Experience

Playing **A House Divided** offers a fast-paced, strategic experience that simulates the high-level decisions faced by commanders during the American Civil War. The game is known for its simplicity and depth, making it enjoyable for both casual and experienced gamers. Players must manage unit movements, engage in combat, and balance recruitment and promotions to achieve their goals.

Pros

Simple yet Deep Rules: Easy to learn but with room for advanced strategies.

Fast-paced Gameplay: Games typically last less than a full evening.

Historical Accuracy: Incorporates real historical elements like recruitment cities and battle modifiers.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to make meaningful decisions about unit deployment and resource management.

Cons

Limited Color: Some players find the game lacks the detailed realism of tactical-level simulations.

Victory Conditions: The Confederacy’s ability to win by capturing Washington DC can lead to unbalanced gameplay if not managed carefully.

Personal Thoughts on A House Divided: War Between the States 1861-65

**A House Divided** is a great game for those interested in strategic-level wargaming and the American Civil War. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy historical simulations and are looking for a game that balances simplicity with depth. While it may not offer the detailed tactical realism some players crave, it excels in providing a quick, engaging, and historically informed gaming experience.

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