| | | | |

Supply Lines of the American Revolution: The Southern Strategy (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Supply Lines of the American Revolution: The Southern Strategy is a board game that focuses on the American Revolutionary War, specifically the Southern Strategy employed by the British. This strategy involved concentrating British military efforts in the southern colonies to try and gain control of the region.

Game Components of Supply Lines of the American Revolution: The Southern Strategy

  • Map:** 22″ x 17″ map
  • Counters:** 88 5/8″ counters representing soldiers, leaders, navies, and partisans
  • Rulebook:** 16-page rulebook
  • Wooden Cubes:** 100 wooden cubes in two colors for supply tracking
  • Dice:** 4 six-sided dice
  • Partisan Boxes and Sea Zones:** Special areas on the map for partisan and naval operations

    How To Setup Supply Lines of the American Revolution: The Southern Strategy

    Setup involves placing the initial units and leaders on the board. The British start with 8 units in Savannah and a navy near Charleston, South Carolina, while the Patriots begin with just 2 units in Charleston. The Patriots receive significant reinforcements at the end of the first turn, representing the command change from Horatio Gates to Nathanael Greene. These reinforcements are crucial and should be placed strategically in Virginia to establish a strong base of operations.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Supply Lines:** Managing supply lines is central to the game, affecting army movement and combat.
  • Maneuver:** Maneuver is key due to smaller armies and fewer resources, making positional play critical.
  • Siege and Naval Battles:** New rules introduce siege and naval battle mechanics, adding complexity to combat.
  • Partisans:** Partisans, including the famous Swamp Fox Francis Marion, support armies by extending supply lines, running raids, and supplementing forces.
  • Objective:** The goal is to master logistics, irregular warfare, operational maneuver, siegecraft, and naval affairs to win the war.

    Player Experience

    This game offers a unique experience with a strong emphasis on logistics and maneuver. Players must navigate the challenges of smaller armies and scarce resources, leveraging partisans to disrupt enemy supply lines and support their own forces. The addition of siege and naval battle rules adds depth to the gameplay, making each turn a strategic challenge.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategic Gameplay:** Focus on supply lines, maneuver, and partisan warfare provides a rich and challenging experience.
  • Historical Accuracy:** The game accurately reflects the historical context of the Southern theater during the American Revolution.
  • Solitaire Suitability:** High solitaire suitability makes it enjoyable for solo players.
  • Compact Components:** Despite the depth, the game components are well-organized and manageable.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** The game’s rules and mechanics can be complex, requiring a significant learning curve.
  • Limited Unit Numbers:** The scarcity of units can lead to a sense of delicacy in every move, which may not appeal to players seeking large-scale battles.

    Personal Thoughts on Supply Lines of the American Revolution: The Southern Strategy

    This game is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and those interested in the logistical and strategic aspects of warfare. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy games with deep strategic depth and historical accuracy. The game’s focus on maneuver and supply lines makes it a great choice for those who appreciate operational and logistical challenges. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and the need for a thorough understanding of its mechanics.

    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. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *