A board game titled "Marshal Enterprises' La Bataille D'Auerstadt" with a colorful illustration of a historic battle scene on its cover.
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La Bataille d’Auerstædt (1977)

ByMichail

La Bataille d’Auerstædt

La Bataille d’Auerstædt is a Napoleonic board wargame that simulates the Battle of Auerstadt in October 1806.

Game Components of La Bataille d’Auerstædt

  • Map:** A large 34×22″ period map.
  • Counters:** Over 400 multi-colored playing pieces, with unit names and movement factors on the front, and combat-related information on the back.
  • Rules:** Almost twenty pages of rules, which were later revised due to initial criticisms of poor writing and clarity.
  • Box:** Initially released in a ziplock bag, later revised and released as a boxed set in 1984.

    How To Setup La Bataille d’Auerstædt

    Setting up the game involves placing the large map on a flat surface, distributing the counters according to the battle formation, and ensuring each player has the necessary rules and resources. The game requires careful attention to the initial deployment of forces to accurately reflect the historical battle.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Dice Rolling:** Used for resolving combat.
  • Grid Movement:** Movement is conducted on a hexagon grid.
  • Line of Sight:** Important for determining combat and defensive positions.
  • Movement Points:** Units have specific movement allowances.
  • Ratio / Combat Results Table:** Used to determine combat outcomes.
  • Zone of Control:** Defines areas controlled by each player.

    Game Objective

  • French Player:** Must capture the King or Queen of Prussia, eliminate two-thirds of the Prussian army, or attain specific geographical objectives.
  • Prussian Player:** Must prevent all of the French objectives.

    Player Experience

    **La Bataille d’Auerstædt** is designed for 1 to 2 players and is known for its complex gameplay. The game uses an alternating “I Go, You Go” system, allowing the non-phasing player to react during the phasing player’s turn. This dynamic introduces a “fog of war” element, as players do not have full intelligence on the opposing forces until they engage in battle.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy:** The game is praised for its historical accuracy and the feel for Napoleonic warfare.
  • Complex Strategy:** Offers deep strategic gameplay, appealing to fans of tactical wargames.
  • Replay Value:** The dynamic nature of the game and the large number of counters provide high replayability.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules:** Initially, the rules were criticized for being poorly written and difficult to understand.
  • Component Quality:** The game components, such as the map and counters, were described as amateurish and sometimes hard to read.
  • Lengthy Gameplay:** Games can be quite long, lasting 330-480 minutes.

    Personal Thoughts on La Bataille d’Auerstædt

    **La Bataille d’Auerstædt** is best suited for experienced wargamers who enjoy complex, tactical gameplay and are interested in the Napoleonic Wars. Despite its initial flaws in rule clarity and component quality, the game has been revised and remains a staple in the “La Bataille” series. It offers a challenging and immersive experience, but it may not be the best introduction for new players due to its complexity.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl