Border States (2022) Board Game

Border States is a board game that takes place during the American Civil War, where players take on the roles of leaders of border states, such as Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri, trying to navigate the complexities of the conflict and secure their own interests.

Game Components of Border States

Game Board: 1 board representing the conflict area.

Rulebook: 1 rulebook outlining the game mechanics.

Poker Token: 1 token for initiative.

Round Token: 1 wooden token to track rounds.

States Tokens: 20 wooden tokens representing the Border States.

Character Cards: 10 cards with unique abilities.

President Cards: 2 cards representing Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis.

Battle Cards: 17 cards for combat scenarios.

Influence Cubes: 50 wooden cubes for influencing states.

Generals Blocks: 20 wooden blocks representing military leaders.

Cloth Bag: For drawing tokens and cards.

Special Blocks: 1 wooden Bible block and 1 wooden Artillery block.

Card Decks: 2 decks of 36 cards each for strategic play.

How To Setup Border States

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects their side (Union or Confederacy) and receives the corresponding President card, Character cards, and Battle cards. The States tokens are placed on the board to represent the Border States. Players then draw a set number of Influence cubes and Generals blocks, which are used to influence the states and engage in battles. The Round token is set to the first round, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Control States: Players aim to control sufficient States tokens to win by sudden death or accumulate the most victory points over 5 rounds.

Bluffing: Effective bluffing and discerning the enemy’s intentions are crucial mechanics.

Combat: Battle cards are used to resolve combat scenarios.

Influence: Influence cubes are used to sway the Border States.

Character Abilities: Character cards provide unique abilities to aid in strategy.

Rounds: The game is played over 5 rounds, with each round representing a significant period in the war.

Player Experience

Border States offers a deeply strategic and immersive experience, requiring players to balance military victories with political influence. The game’s short playing time of about 45 minutes makes it an engaging and quick tactical challenge. Players must use their Character cards, Battle cards, and Influence cubes judiciously to sway the Border States to their side.

Pros

Tactical Depth: The game offers a rich tactical experience with multiple layers of strategy.

Historical Context: It provides a unique perspective on the American Civil War, focusing on the political and military aspects.

Quick Playtime: Games last only about 45 minutes, making it a great fit for those with limited time.

Bluffing Mechanics: The bluffing element adds a fun and challenging layer to the game.

Cons

Limited Players: Designed for only 2 players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Complexity: While the game is not overly complex, it does require a good understanding of the mechanics and strategies.

Component Quality: Some players may find the component quality to be average.

Personal Thoughts on Border States

Border States is an excellent choice for fans of historical and tactical games, particularly those interested in the American Civil War. It is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a mix of bluffing and resource management. While it may not be the best fit for larger groups due to its two-player limit, it offers a compelling and engaging experience for those who enjoy deep, yet quick, tactical games.

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