The Battle of Borodino: Napoleon in Russia 1812 (1972) Board Game

The Battle of Borodino was a significant battle fought between the French army led by Napoleon Bonaparte and the Russian army under General Mikhail Kutuzov during Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in in 1972. The battle took place on September 7, 1812, near the village of Borodino, west of Moscow. It was the largest and bloodiest single-day action of the Napoleonic Wars, with casualties numbering in the tens of thousands on both sides.

The Battle of Borodino: Napoleon in Russia 1812 board game seeks to recreate the strategic and tactical challenges faced by both commanders during this pivotal battle. Players must make critical decisions about troop deployment, movement, and combat in order to emerge victorious.

Game Components of The Battle of Borodino: Napoleon in Russia 1812

Game Board: A map representing the battlefield, including key terrain features like the Fleches, Shevardino and Grand Redoubts.

Counters and Units: Representing divisions of infantry, cavalry, and artillery for both French and Russian armies.

Rules Booklet: Detailed rules outlining game mechanics, setup, and objectives.

Leader Cards: Representing historical leaders and their roles in the battle.

How To Setup The Battle of Borodino: Napoleon in Russia 1812

Setup involves placing the game board and arranging the counters according to the historical deployment of forces. Players must set up their units in the designated areas, ensuring that the initial positions reflect the historical context of the battle. This includes placing artillery, infantry, and cavalry units in their starting positions, as well as setting up leader cards to command these units.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Move-Move-Battle Sequence: Players alternate in phases of movement and combat.

Area-Based Movement and Combat: Units move and fight within designated areas on the board.

Leader Activation: Players activate leaders to command divisions within the same corps.

Cavalry Charges and Squares: Tactical interactions including cavalry charges and infantry forming squares.

Objective

The objective for the French player is to break through the Russian lines and capture key positions, while the Russian player aims to hold these positions and inflict significant casualties on the French army.

Player Experience

Playing “The Battle of Borodino” offers a deep and immersive experience for wargamers. The game captures the intensity and tactical complexity of the historical battle, with players needing to anticipate and counter each other’s moves. The game’s duration, typically 3-4 hours, allows for a comprehensive and engaging battle simulation that feels both historically accurate and tactically challenging.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game incorporates detailed historical research and adheres closely to the events of the battle.

Tactical Depth: Offers a range of tactical options, including cavalry charges and artillery engagements.

Engaging Gameplay: The Move-Move-Battle sequence and leader activation mechanics create a fast-paced and dynamic game environment.

Cons

Complexity: The game may be daunting for new wargamers due to its detailed rules and historical context.

Game Length: The 3-4 hour gameplay can be time-consuming, requiring a significant commitment from players.

Personal Thoughts on The Battle of Borodino: Napoleon in Russia 1812

This game is ideal for experienced wargamers and history enthusiasts who are looking for a detailed and challenging simulation of one of Napoleon’s most famous battles. It is not for casual gamers due to its complexity and length, but for those who appreciate the intricacies of Napoleonic warfare, it offers a rich and rewarding experience.

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