Three Days of Gettysburg (Third Edition) (2004) Board Game

Three Days of Gettysburg is a wargame that simulates the famous Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The game was first released in 2004 and has since been updated to a third edition. Designed by Rodger B. MacGowan, Mark Simonitch, and The West Point Museum, the game offers players a chance to experience the strategic challenges faced by both Union and Confederate forces during this pivotal moment in history.

Game Components of Three Days of Gettysburg

Maps: Three single-sided 34” x 22” maps, one double-sided 34” x 22” map, one double-sided 22” x 17” small-scenario map, and one double-sided 11” x 17” small-scenario map.

Counters: Eight counter sheets of combat units and counters, including VanDorn optional counters.

Charts and Tables: Two Combat Tables Folders, two TEC and 2nd Disorder Charts, one Turn Record Chart, and two Efficiency/Activation Sheets.

Rule Book: *GBACW* Series Rule Book (2023 Edition), Battle Book, and Playbook with optional Skirmisher rules.

Dice: Two 10-sided dice.

How To Setup Three Days of Gettysburg

Setting up the game involves placing the maps according to the specific scenario being played, deploying units as indicated in the scenario setup, and preparing the necessary charts and tables. Each scenario has its unique setup instructions detailed in the Battle Book and Playbook. Players must ensure all components are correctly positioned to reflect the historical context of the battle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Time Scale: 1 hour per turn.

Map Scale: 125 yards per hex with 40-foot elevations.

Unit Scale: 50 Men or 1 Cannon per Strength Point.

Players: 2.

Objective: Players aim to recreate the historical battles of Gettysburg, with the Union side seeking to defend against Confederate advances and the Confederacy aiming to secure key terrain and weaken Union forces.

Player Experience

**Three Days of Gettysburg** offers a deeply immersive experience, bringing players close to the action and decisions of the Battle of Gettysburg. The game includes ten-plus scenarios, ranging from small skirmishes to the entire battle, allowing players to experience different aspects of the conflict. New town rules and skirmisher mechanics add depth to urban warfare, while the varied terrain representations challenge players to navigate historical difficulties such as moving artillery up slopes.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is meticulously designed to reflect historical events and terrain challenges.

Variety of Scenarios: Offers multiple scenarios to cater to different play styles and preferences.

Improved Mechanics: New rules for towns and skirmishers enhance gameplay realism.

Beautiful Artwork: Maps feature Mark Simonitch’s detailed and visually appealing artwork.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its detailed rules and complex scenarios.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be time-consuming, especially for larger scenarios.

Component Intensive: Requires a significant number of components, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Three Days of Gettysburg

**Three Days of Gettysburg** is ideal for historical war game enthusiasts and those who appreciate detailed, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy recreating historical battles and are willing to invest time in learning the game’s intricate mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it promises hours of engaging play for those passionate about the American Civil War and tactical strategy.

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