Quartermaster General (2014) Board Game

Quartermaster General is a board game designed by Ian Brody and released in in 2014. It is a wargame set during World War II, where players take on the roles of major powers involved in the conflict. The game focuses on strategic planning, resource management, and area control, making it an immersive and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Quartermaster General

Unique decks for each country (Germany, Japan, Italy, Great Britain, Russia, and the United States)

Army and naval units

Build cards (army and navy)

Land and Sea battle cards

Event cards

Status cards (provide permanent, unique powers)

Response cards

Economic warfare cards

Supply spaces and home countries marked on the board

How To Setup Quartermaster General

To set up the game, players first divide into two teams: the Axis powers (Germany, Japan, and Italy) and the Allied powers (Great Britain, Russia, and the United States). Each player controls one to three countries, depending on the number of players. Each country has its own unique deck of cards and a set of armies and naval ships. Players draw 10 cards at the start and discard down to 7.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is for your team to have the most victory points at the end of 20 rounds or to be ahead by 30 points at any round.

Turn Structure: Each round, countries take turns in a set order. On a player’s turn, they must play a card from their hand, remove any units out of supply, collect victory points, and draw back up to 7 cards.

Supply Management: Units are in supply if they can trace a line back to a supply space.

Card Types: Build cards, battle cards, event cards, status cards, response cards, and economic warfare cards.

Battles: Diceless battles where players target adjacent spaces and remove enemy units.

Victory Points: Earned for controlling starred supply spaces or home countries.

Player Experience

Quartermaster General offers a unique and thematic World War II experience. The game is praised for its streamlined gameplay, making it easy to learn and teach. Each country’s deck is tailored to its historical counterpart, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. Players enjoy the strategic challenge of managing supply lines and the satisfaction of playing significant cards that can turn the tide of the game.

Pros

Smooth Gameplay: Easy to learn and play.

Thematic Decks: Unique decks for each country add historical depth.

Short Playtime: Typically 90 minutes, a welcome change from longer wargames.

Strategic Depth: Managing supply lines and card play requires strategic thinking.

Fun Interaction: Players enjoy the tactical interactions and card play.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: The draw of cards can significantly impact the game.

No Solo Option: There is no solo gameplay option available.

Best with More Players: The game is optimal with more players, ideally needing 6 players for the full experience.

Personal Thoughts on Quartermaster General

Quartermaster General is ideal for those who enjoy strategic card-driven games and are interested in World War II history. It’s a great choice for players looking for a more streamlined wargaming experience without the need for dice rolling. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a game with extensive combat mechanics or a solo play option. Overall, it’s a compelling game that offers a unique and engaging way to simulate World War II in a shorter playtime.

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