The Battle of Agincourt (1978) Board Game

The Battle of Agincourt is a board game that simulates the famous battle that took place on October 25, 1415, during the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. The game was released in 1978 by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW Games) and is designed for 2 players.

Game Components of The Battle of Agincourt

Full-color contour map of the battlefield using a hex grid scaled to 34 yards (31 m) per hex

270 counters, including 45 cardboard counters representing military units (32 French and 13 English)

Counters for dead soldiers and survivors from battle

Rulebook

Player reference sheets

Twenty-sided die

How To Setup The Battle of Agincourt

Players set up their forces at either end of the board. The English and French forces are placed according to historical positions, with the English longbowmen and men-at-arms forming defensive lines, and the French knights and men-at-arms preparing for the assault.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Turn-based movement and archery fire

Morale checks for units

Melee combat resolved with a 20-sided die using a step-reduction system

Random movement of fugitive units

Game Objective

French player wins by inflicting casualties at a rate of less than 7 French to 1 English.

English player wins by raising the casualty rate to 7 to 1 or greater.

Player Experience

The game offers a detailed and historically rooted experience, with a strong focus on the triumph of archery over armor. However, reviews are mixed:

Some praise the game’s historical accuracy and the complexity of its mechanics, noting it as a “major design triumph”.

Others criticize it for being long, tiresome, and lacking viable tactics, with excessive die-rolling and record-keeping.

Pros

Historically accurate depiction of medieval warfare

Complex and detailed mechanics, including morale and archery systems

Part of the accessible “120 Series” with a manageable number of counters and playtime

Cons

Criticized for being long and tiresome

Excessive die-rolling and record-keeping

Unbalanced gameplay favoring the English

Difficulty in tracking fugitive units

Personal Thoughts on The Battle of Agincourt

This game is ideal for those interested in historical wargames, particularly those fascinated by the Battle of Agincourt and medieval warfare. While it may not offer the most exhilarating gaming experience due to its complexity and potential for slow gameplay, it is a valuable resource for historians and enthusiasts of grand tactical games. For those looking for a more dynamic and balanced game, this might not be the best choice, but for those who appreciate detailed historical simulations, *Agincourt* is certainly worth exploring.

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.