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Table Battles (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Table Battles is a board game that was released in 2017 and designed by Amabel Holland. The game falls under the categories of Age of Reason, American Revolutionary War, Print & Play, and Wargame. With a playing time of around 20 minutes, Table Battles is a two-player game that focuses on dice rolling and simulation mechanics.

Game Components of Table Battles

  • 62 Formation cards**
  • 90 wooden pieces** to represent unit strength
  • 12 dice**
  • 1 four-page rulebook**
  • 8 scenarios** in the base game, with additional scenarios in later editions and expansions[5′.

    How To Setup Table Battles

    Setting up Table Battles is straightforward and quick. Players start by selecting a scenario, each of which represents a historical battle such as Bosworth Field or the Battle of Malplaquet. Each scenario comes with specific Formation cards and wooden pieces that are placed on the table according to the scenario’s instructions. Players then roll and allocate dice to these Formation cards, preparing for the Action Phase. The game does not use a map; instead, it is played directly on the tabletop.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Dice Rolling and Allocation: Players roll dice and allocate them to Formation cards, which can then be used to activate units and launch attacks.
  • Action Phase: One unit can attack per turn, potentially triggering automatic Reactions, such as screening, counterattacking, or absorbing losses.
  • Roll Phase: Players roll dice and add them to Formation cards, which must match specific die results or combinations.
  • Reactions: Enemies must react if able, which can prevent them from taking their next action.

    Objective

    The objective is to outmaneuver your opponent by creating openings, feinting, and ultimately attacking when advantageous. The game is a tense cat-and-mouse affair where players aim to whittle down the enemy’s forces while managing their own resources and reactions.

    Player Experience

    Table Battles offers a deeply strategic and engaging experience despite its light and fast gameplay. Players must constantly read the board, anticipate their opponent’s moves, and make decisions based on the current situation. The game’s rhythm lies in the push-and-pull of actions and reactions, where not placing a die on a troop can sometimes be the right move to set up a future attack. The game’s short playtime of about 20 minutes makes it an ideal filler game, yet it still provides a rich and thoughtful experience.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth: Despite being a light game, Table Battles requires careful planning and strategic thinking.
  • Historical Scenarios: The game includes a variety of historical battles, adding a layer of educational and thematic depth.
  • Quick Playtime: Games last only about 20 minutes, making it a great filler game.
  • High Replayability: Each scenario can play out differently due to dice rolls and player decisions.

    Cons

  • Luck of the Dice: The game’s reliance on dice rolls can introduce randomness that may frustrate some players.
  • Simple Presentation: Some players might find the use of cards and wooden pieces instead of a traditional map or complex miniatures to be too simplistic.

    Personal Thoughts on Table Battles

    Table Battles is perfect for players who enjoy strategic games but have limited time. It is an excellent introduction to wargaming for those new to the genre and a great filler for experienced wargamers. The game’s focus on the fundamentals of combat—threats, counterthreats, and leverage—makes it appealing to anyone interested in tactical decision-making. While it may not offer deep historical analysis, it provides a fun and challenging way to experience the essence of historical battles in a condensed and engaging format.

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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

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