Kriegspiel (1970) – Board Game Guys

Kriegsspiel

Kriegsspiel is a genre of wargaming developed by the Prussian Army in the 19th century to teach battlefield tactics to officers.

Why is Kriegspiel Popular?

Kriegsspiel was more than just a war game; it was an invaluable training tool used to introduce a generation of military officers to the operational art of war. The game established several conventions of war gaming that still hold true to the present day. It used topographical maps, dice, and featured gaming elements that simulated the “fog of war”. Color-coded opposing armies in the form of red and blue counters and codified rules for movement and combat were also part of the game. Kriegsspiel was a landmark game not just for its military applications, but for the future of gaming generally.

Game Components of Kriegspiel

Map: A two-piece 16″ x 16″ mounted hex grid map.

Counters: 45 die-cut counters using NATO symbol identifiers.

Rulebook: A 16-page rulebook.

Charts and Player Aids: Various charts and player aids for gameplay.

How To Setup Kriegspiel

To set up Kriegspiel, players arrange the two-piece hex grid map, which has a geomorphic design allowing for variable map configurations. Each player takes the counters representing their faction and places them on the map according to the initial setup rules. The game starts with a dice roll to determine which player gets the initiative for the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The objective is for one faction to gain dominance by inflicting significant casualties and controlling three of the enemy’s cities.

Turn Sequence: An alternating “I Go, You Go” system where one player moves and engages in combat, followed by the other player.

Combat Resolution: Combat results are determined by cross-referencing the attacker/defender ratio against one of four defensive strategies and one of three offensive strategies, without using dice.

Optional Rules: Includes rules for invasions, weather, prisoners, supply, and diplomacy, although these can be conflicting and lack thorough playtesting.

Player Experience

Kriegspiel was designed to introduce new players to wargaming but received negative reviews from experienced gamers. Despite selling 86,000 units over ten years, it was criticized for being too simple and lacking depth. The game’s small scale and limited number of counters made it less engaging for veteran players[5%.

Pros

Introductory Game: Good for new wargamers to learn basic concepts.

Variable Map: Geomorphic map design allows for multiple scenario setups.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn and start playing quickly.

Cons

Too Simple: Criticized by experienced gamers for lacking complexity.

Limited Gameplay: Small number of counters restricts gameplay variety.

Conflicting Optional Rules: Lack of thorough playtesting leads to inconsistencies.

Personal Thoughts on Kriegspiel

Kriegspiel is best suited for beginners in the wargaming hobby who want to learn the basics without diving into complex rules and scenarios. However, it may not satisfy experienced players looking for more depth and strategy. Despite its simplicity, it remains a historical artifact in the evolution of wargaming, showcasing the early attempts at making wargames more accessible to a broader audience.

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