The Habit of Victory: From Warsaw to Eylau to Friedland, 1806-7 (2007) Board Game

The Habit of Victory: From Warsaw to Eylau to Friedland, 1806-7 is a strategic board game that takes players back to the Napoleonic era, specifically focusing on the battles that took place between 1806 and

Designed by Antoine-Jean Gros, Knut Grünitz, Mark Simonitch, and Joe Youst, this game allows players to step into the shoes of military commanders during this tumultuous time in history.

Game Components of The Habit of Victory: From Warsaw to Eylau to Friedland, 1806-7

Map: One 22 x 34″ map in four colors

Leaders, Units, and Markers: 280 two-sided counters

Playing Cards: 100 cards representing March Orders

Rules: 56 pages including campaign analysis and designer notes

Organization Displays: French, Russian, and Prussian Organization Displays

Record Tracks: Turn Record, Coalition and French Record Tracks

Cavalry Vedettes: Included for tactical confusion and reconnaissance

How To Setup The Habit of Victory: From Warsaw to Eylau to Friedland, 1806-7

Setting up the game involves several steps. First, lay out the map, which is divided into hexes representing 6 kilometers each. Next, distribute the leader, unit, and marker counters according to the scenario being played. Each scenario has specific setup instructions outlined in the rules. Players must also shuffle and distribute the March Order cards, which are crucial for issuing commands during the game. Finally, set up the record tracks and organization displays to keep track of turns, unit movements, and other game-related information.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Assisted Gameplay: Uses cards to issue March Orders, defining movement, attrition, and other key aspects of the game.

Scenario-Based: Includes three short introductory scenarios and three full-sized campaign scenarios, as well as a grand scenario spanning up to 69 turns.

Unit Concentration: Allows entire armies to be concentrated under few leaders during major battles and dispersed independently at other times.

Cavalry Vedettes: Helps in reconnaissance and confusing the enemy.

Objective: To simulate the military campaigns of Napoleon from December 1806 to June 1807, with the ultimate goal of achieving historical or alternate outcomes based on the player’s strategies.

Player Experience

The Habit of Victory offers a deep and immersive experience for wargame enthusiasts. The game’s use of cards to streamline command issuance and attrition calculations makes gameplay quicker and more engaging. The various scenarios provide a range of challenges, from introductory battles to extensive campaign simulations. Players must balance strategic decisions with the historical context, making the game both educational and entertaining.

Pros

Streamlined Gameplay: Cards reduce the need for frequent dice rolls, making the game faster.

Historical Accuracy: Detailed scenarios and components ensure a historically accurate experience.

Depth and Complexity: Multiple scenarios and a grand campaign offer extensive replayability.

Educational Value: Provides insights into Napoleon’s military strategies and the challenges faced during the 1806-7 campaign.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Complex rules and setup may be daunting for new players.

Time Commitment: Full campaign scenarios can be very time-consuming.

Availability: Currently out of stock in some places, which may limit accessibility.

Personal Thoughts on The Habit of Victory: From Warsaw to Eylau to Friedland, 1806-7

The Habit of Victory is ideal for seasoned wargamers and those deeply interested in Napoleonic history. It offers a rich and detailed gaming experience that rewards strategic thinking and historical knowledge. However, due to its complexity and the time required to play, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargames. For enthusiasts of the period and the genre, this game is a treasure trove of historical simulation and strategic challenge.

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