Marengo: Morning Defeat, Afternoon Victory (2010) Board Game

Marengo: Morning Defeat, Afternoon Victory is a board game that simulates the Battle of Marengo that took place on June 14, 1800, during the Napoleonic Wars. The game captures the essence of the historic battle where Napoleon’s army faced off against the Austrian forces in Italy. Players get to experience the strategic decisions and tactical maneuvers that determined the fate of the battle.

Game Components

Map: A 17 x 22” (43 x 56 cm) terrain map.

Counters: 80 die-cut counters representing units and other game elements.

Rulebooks: One Standard Rules booklet for the series and one Exclusive Rules booklet for this title.

Combat Results Table: A table emphasizing playability and simulating the lethality of musket and bayonet engagements.

How To Setup Marengo: Morning Defeat, Afternoon Victory

The game setup involves placing units on the map according to the historical deployment. The Austrian player starts with the advantage of position and numbers, entering the map at specified entry hexes. The French player must defend initially, spreading their units to find the Austrian army and preparing for a potential counterattack. The game begins at dawn and runs through dusk, with the Austrian player aiming to capitalize on their early advantage before French reinforcements arrive.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay System: Uses the Musket & Saber combat system, providing a simple yet accurate portrayal of Napoleonic warfare.

Turn Structure: Alternating turns where one player moves and fires, then the other player does the same, representing one hour of game time.

Objectives:
– Austrian player: Must press forward rapidly to cross the entire map and secure key positions.
– French player: Must defend initially and then launch a counterattack when reinforcements arrive to turn the tide of the battle.

Player Experience

**Marengo: Morning Defeat, Afternoon Victory** offers a dynamic and challenging experience, especially for fans of historical wargames. The game’s design reflects the historical see-saw nature of the Battle of Marengo, where initial Austrian successes are countered by French reinforcements. Players must manage their units carefully, leveraging terrain, cavalry, and leader presence to gain an advantage.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game captures the essence of the Battle of Marengo, including the initial Austrian advantage and the French counterattack.

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: The Musket & Saber combat system is intuitive and simulates the key aspects of Napoleonic warfare.

Quick Gameplay: Despite the historical depth, the game is relatively quick to play, making it accessible for new players.

Cons

Limited Realism in Some Aspects: Some reviewers noted that the tactical system is not very realistic, though it still produces realistic general results.

Luck Factor: The game can be significantly affected by luck, particularly in the early stages of the battle.

Personal Thoughts on Marengo: Morning Defeat, Afternoon Victory

This game is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and history buffs, especially those interested in the Napoleonic Wars. It provides a concise and engaging way to experience the strategic and tactical challenges of the Battle of Marengo. While it may not offer the deepest level of realism, it is a great introductory game for those new to historical wargaming, and its quick gameplay makes it an enjoyable addition to any wargamer’s collection.

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