Cedar Mountain 1862 (2020) Board Game

Cedar Mountain 1862 is a historically-inspired board game that simulates the Battle of Cedar Mountain during the American Civil War. Players take on the roles of opposing generals commanding their troops in a strategic wargame setting. The game is designed to provide a realistic and immersive experience of this pivotal moment in history.

Game Components of Cedar Mountain 1862

Maps: Full-size maps representing the battlefields.

Units: Infantry, cavalry, and artillery units, each with strength points (SP) and morale indicators.

Markers: Various markers for routed units, breastworks, etc.

Dice: 10-sided dice (D10) for resolving combat and morale checks.

Leaders: Non-combat units that can stack with friendly combat units.

Rulebook: Includes general rules and specific rules for the Cedar Mountain scenarios.

How To Setup Cedar Mountain 1862

To set up the game, players place units on the map according to the coordinates indicated in the rulebook. Confederate reinforcements enter the battlefield via specific hexes, and leaders are positioned adjacent to or stacked with units of their Division or Corps. The Union units are set up first, followed by the Confederate units. The game includes historical and free scenarios, each with detailed setup instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hex-and-Counter Mechanics: Each hex represents approximately 182 meters (200 yards), and each turn represents 40 minutes.

Zone of Control (ZOC): Units entering an enemy ZOC must stop movement.

Combat Resolution: Uses a D10 for combat and morale checks.

Game Objective: Victory is determined by capturing and holding geographical objectives and killing enemy units. The Union must achieve at least 5 Victory Points (VP) and occupy specific objectives to win.

Player Experience

Playing **Cedar Mountain 1862** immerses you in the strategic and tactical decisions of the American Civil War. The game demands careful unit placement, effective use of leaders, and managing fatigue and morale. The battle’s historical context adds depth, making it a challenge to balance immediate needs with long-term strategy.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game closely follows the historical events of the Cedar Mountain battle.

Engaging Mechanics: The hex-and-counter system and ZOC rules create a dynamic battlefield.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and optional rules provide varied gameplay experiences.

Educational Value: Players learn about the tactics and challenges of the American Civil War.

Cons

Complexity: The game has detailed rules and setup, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Time Commitment: Games can last approximately 1.5 to 1.75 hours, which may be too long for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Cedar Mountain 1862

**Cedar Mountain 1862** is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and anyone interested in the American Civil War. It offers a challenging and historically rich experience, making it a great addition to any wargamer’s collection. However, due to its complexity and time commitment, it may not be the best introduction for new players to the genre.

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