Gettysburg (1958) – Board Game Guys

Gettysburg

“Gettysburg” is a board wargame published in 1958 by Avalon Hill, re-enacting the American Civil War battle of Gettysburg.

Groundbreaking game mechanics

The game’s rules were innovative and groundbreaking, using a square grid for tracking hidden movement and range cards for movement and firing ranges.

Awards and recognition

The game has been recognized for its historical accuracy and gameplay. The 125th Anniversary edition won “Best Pre-20th Century Boardgame of 1988” at the Origins Awards.

Influence on modern war gaming

Gettysburg has inspired modern war gaming and has been included in the book “Hobby Games: The 100 Best”.

Game Components of Gettysburg

Map: Marked with a square grid, initially used for tracking hidden movement rather than regular movement.

Counters: Rectangular units representing military divisions, corps, and army leaders. The 1958 version included outpost counters and corps leaders that had no game function.

Range Cards: Used for checking firing ranges and movement.

Rulebook: Included a tournament game section, which was advanced for its time.

Grid Coordinates: For optional hidden movement rules.

How To Setup Gettysburg

Setup involves placing the map, distributing the counters according to the initial dispositions of the Union and Confederate forces, and preparing the range cards. The game starts on June 30th at 11 PM, just before the battle commences. Each player must ensure all units are placed correctly on the map, with the Union player moving first. The entire setup process takes about 15 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Initially used range cards; later editions introduced hex grids for movement regulation.

Combat: Utilizes a combat results table favoring local superiority of numbers. Attackers benefit from attacking from the side or rear, while defenders gain advantages from entrenching on hills.

Unit Orientation: Each unit has an orientation, affecting combat odds.

Hidden Movement: Optional rules using the grid for hidden movement.

Game Objective: The objective is to recreate the Battle of Gettysburg, with the Union aiming to repel the Confederate invasion and the Confederates seeking to break through Union lines.

Player Experience

Playing **Gettysburg** can be a complex and immersive experience, especially given its historical context and detailed mechanics. The game requires strategic thinking and tactical planning, as players must manage unit movements, combat engagements, and resource allocation. Despite its slow movement mechanics in the original version, the game offers a deep dive into the intricacies of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is renowned for its historical accuracy, making it a favorite among history enthusiasts.

Groundbreaking Mechanics: Introduced several innovative mechanics, including unit orientation and hidden movement rules.

Strategic Depth: Encourages strategic and tactical thinking, making it appealing to wargame enthusiasts.

Legacy: Influenced the development of later wargames and even inspired game designers like Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson of *Dungeons & Dragons*.

Cons

Complexity: The game has undergone several revisions due to its initial complexity and lack of playtesting.

Slow Movement: The original version’s movement mechanics were slow and cumbersome.

Rule Overhauls: Later editions simplified some rules but introduced new complexities, making it challenging for new players to adapt.

Personal Thoughts on Gettysburg

**Gettysburg** is a game for those deeply interested in military history and strategic gameplay. It is ideal for experienced wargamers who appreciate the nuances of historical battles and are willing to invest time in understanding the complex mechanics. While it may not be the best introduction for new players due to its complexity, it remains a significant piece of gaming history and a must-play for anyone serious about wargaming.

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