Lincoln (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

The Lincoln board game is a strategic wargame that focuses on the American Civil War. Designed by Peter Dennis and published in 2018, this game allows players to step into the roles of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis as they navigate the complexities of this pivotal moment in American history.

Game Components of Lincoln

Cards: Asymmetric decks for Union and Confederate players, each with various symbols and text-based events

Board: Abstracted map featuring key sites in the American Civil War

Military Units: Represented by counters

Blockade and Europe Tracks: Influence gameplay and victory conditions

General’s Star Cards: Used in combat to add to combat value

How To Setup Lincoln

To set up Lincoln, each player starts with their respective deck of cards. The Union player has a hand size of 6 cards, while the Confederate player begins with a hand size of 5, which can decrease as the Union progresses on the blockade track. The board is placed in the middle, showing the abstracted map of key sites. Each player’s military units are placed according to the initial setup rules. The blockade and Europe tracks are also set up, ready to influence the game’s progression.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players use cards to take two actions per turn, such as recruiting units, moving, or using text-based events.

Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved by counting units and adding face-down General’s star cards; no dice rolling involved.

Deck Management: Cards are used for their primary function and then removed from the game, reflecting the attrition of the war.

Victory Conditions: Union must achieve a net advantage in victory points, while the Confederacy can win through territorial control or European recognition.

Blockade Track: Union progress reduces the Confederate player’s hand size.

Europe Track: Offers an alternative victory route for the Confederacy through European recognition.

Player Experience

Lincoln is a fast-paced, tense game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. Players must make delicate decisions about which cards to use, balancing the need to build and reinforce their positions against the depletion of their deck. The game’s design ensures that each turn is filled with strategic choices, and the lack of downtime keeps the game engaging. Combat is straightforward yet strategic, with losses affecting both sides, adding to the game’s realism.

Pros

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Quick turns and simple card play keep the game moving.

Strategic Depth: Multi-layered decisions and asymmetric decks provide a rich gaming experience.

Historical Accuracy: While not detailed at the unit level, the game captures the strategic essence of the American Civil War.

Easy to Learn: New players can quickly understand the rules and start playing.

High Replayability: Various victory conditions and card draws ensure different outcomes each game.

Cons

Limited Unit Types: No artillery or cavalry units are included.

Vulnerability of Union Capital: The Union player must be cautious of an early Confederate victory by protecting Washington.

Personal Thoughts on Lincoln

Lincoln is an excellent introduction to the American Civil War and strategy games in general. It is particularly suited for those new to wargames or the ACW theme, as it offers a balanced blend of simplicity and depth. The game’s tension and strategic decisions make it highly engaging, even for players who are not historically inclined towards the subject. However, experienced wargamers might find the lack of unit types and historical details a slight drawback. Overall, Lincoln is a highly playable and enjoyable game that is worth adding to any strategy gaming collection.

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.