En Garde! (1975) Board Game – Board Game Guys

En Garde! is a board game that was released in 1975 by Lee Brimmicombe-Wood and Tim Wiseman. The game is designed for 2 to 20 players, making it perfect for large groups. With a runtime of 90 minutes, En Garde! is a game of adventure, fighting, and negotiation set in the Renaissance period. The game involves paper-and-pencil mechanics and simultaneous action selection, adding an element of strategy to gameplay.

Game Components of En Garde!

Rulebook: A 48-page digest-sized book, later revised and expanded in subsequent editions.

Character Sheets: Simple, often just an index card with stats and birth circumstances.

Tables and Charts: Extensive tables for resolving duels, social interactions, and other activities.

Scratch Paper: For recording combat actions and damage.

Dice: Though not heavily relied upon, random outcomes are sometimes determined by dice rolls.

How To Setup En Garde!

To set up En Garde!, each player is given a character sheet, which can be as simple as an index card. Players write their stats on the left and birth circumstances on the right, with the option to name their character at the top. The game master or facilitator explains the basic rules and hands out the necessary materials, including tables and scratch paper for dueling.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dueling System: Players choose a series of 12 maneuvers (lunging, parrying, resting, cutting, slashing, kicking, blocking, surrendering) which are then cross-referenced on a table to determine the outcomes.

Social Interactions: Players can carouse at social clubs, woo mistresses, gamble, and trade favors and money.

Military Service: Players can choose military assignments that offer varying levels of risk and reward.

Status Points: The primary objective is to acquire status points through successful duels, social interactions, and military service.

Random Outcomes: Many activities involve random outcomes determined by tables and sometimes dice rolls.

Player Experience

Playing En Garde feels like a blend of a tactical game and a role-playing game, but it leans more towards the former. The game is highly focused on dueling and social climbing, with a complex dueling system that requires strategic thinking. Players must balance their actions to gain status points while avoiding unnecessary risks. The game’s simultaneous resolution of actions keeps the game engaging, especially during duels, which can be both intense and humorously unpredictable.

Pros

Unique Dueling System: The pre-plotted moves and table-based resolution create a tactical and immersive combat experience.

Social Climbing Mechanics: The game offers a rich social environment where players must navigate clubs, mistresses, and military service to gain status.

Historical Setting: The 17th century Paris setting adds a glamorous and swashbuckling flair.

Simple yet Deep Rules: The rules are straightforward yet allow for complex strategies.

Cons

Limited Character Customization: Characters are not highly defined, and customization is minimal.

Dry Presentation: The game materials are often described as basic and lacking in illustrations or detailed explanations.

Steep Learning Curve: The dueling system and various tables can be complex and time-consuming to learn.

Niche Appeal: The game’s focus on dueling and social climbing may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on En Garde!

En Garde is for players who enjoy tactical games, historical settings, and the idea of social climbing in a swashbuckling era. It is particularly suited for those interested in the early days of role-playing games and how they evolved from wargaming. While it may not be as polished or visually appealing as modern games, En Garde offers a unique and engaging experience that is both nostalgic and fascinating for those interested in gaming history. However, it is not recommended for players seeking deeply developed characters or a more narrative-driven role-playing 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.