Blücher (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Blücher is a strategic board game that simulates battles from the Napoleonic era. Named after the Prussian general Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, who played a significant role in defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, this game allows players to take on the roles of various commanders and strategize their way to victory.

Game Components of Blücher

Units: Represent large forces like brigades of infantry, cavalry, and concentrations of artillery.

Unit Cards: Optional, allowing play without miniatures; available as blank templates or professionally printed cards for various armies.

Campaign System: Includes *Scharnhorst*, a pre-game campaign system.

Momentum (MO) System: Uses dice rolls to determine command points for unit activation.

How To Setup Blücher

Setting up *Blücher* involves several steps. First, players can choose to recreate historical battles or create fictional armies using the game’s army-building system. The *Scharnhorst* campaign system is used to plot the movement of army columns, deciding key points to control and ensuring forces are within supporting distance. Once the battle is generated, units are placed on the table, with each unit represented by a single base of a chosen size, typically 3″ wide. Objectives are set by the players or dictated by the scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Grand Tactical Scale: Each unit represents a brigade of troops.

Momentum (MO) System: Players use MO points, determined by dice rolls, to activate and move units. The opponent rolls the dice and keeps the result secret, adding a layer of uncertainty.

Movement and Combat: Units move and engage in combat, with restrictions on movement direction and charging. Artillery is limited by ammunition.

Army Morale: The game objective is to break the enemy’s army morale, which is equal to 1/3 of its units. If this doesn’t happen, the winner is the side holding the objectives.

Reserve Movement: Units can move up to 12 base widths as reserves, but once activated, they cannot become concealed again.

Player Experience

*Blücher* offers a complex yet streamlined experience, appealing to those who enjoy strategic depth and historical fidelity. The game’s mechanics reward players for keeping fresh troops in reserve and using attritional tactics effectively. The command and control system, where the opponent rolls the dice for MO points, adds a significant element of unpredictability, mirroring the uncertainties of historical warfare.

Pros

Historical Fidelity: The game maintains a strong historical flavor, especially in its command and control mechanics.

Simple yet Subtle Rules: The rules are clear and well-written, with subtle nuances that enhance gameplay.

Flexibility: Allows play with or without miniatures and flexible base sizes.

Campaign System: The *Scharnhorst* campaign system adds a rich pre-battle layer to the game.

Cons

Cost: The basic rules and additional sets can be quite expensive.

Limited Unit Differentiation: The variation in troop qualities and commander capabilities is less detailed compared to some other Napoleonic games.

Movement Restrictions: Certain unit movements, like the inability of squares to move, can feel unrealistic.

Personal Thoughts on Blücher

*Blücher* is ideal for players who enjoy grand tactical Napoleonic warfare and are looking for a game that balances simplicity with depth. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the strategic and logistical aspects of historical battles and are willing to invest time in understanding the nuanced rules. While it may not offer the same level of unit differentiation as some other games, its command and control mechanics and campaign system make it a compelling choice for wargamers seeking a realistic and engaging experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.