War and Peace (1980) – Board Game Guys

War and Peace

“War and Peace” is a board wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1980, designed by Mark McLaughlin. The game simulates ten years of Napoleonic wars and covers the period from 1805 to 1815. After the demise of Avalon Hill, the rights to the game were acquired by One Small Step Games, which reprinted it in 2020 with a redrawn map, counters, and new scenarios.

Why is War and Peace Popular?

“War and Peace” is a popular and significant game for several reasons:
– It is a strategic simulation of the Napoleonic Wars, allowing players to recreate the fight for Europe during this period.
– The game is designed for two players, one playing as the French and the other as the British, with each player controlling one of the major countries of France, Britain, Austria, Russia, or Spain.
– The game has a complex rating of 5 on BoardGameGeek, indicating its strategic depth and replayability.
– It was chosen for inclusion in the 2007 book “Hobby Games: The 100 Best”.
– The game has a purchase phase, a combat phase, and a movement phase, making it an engaging and immersive experience for players.

Game Components of War and Peace

Map: A 4-piece 16″ x 44″ hex grid map, scaled at 40 miles per hex, spanning from the Iberian Peninsula to Russia.

Counters: 1000 counters representing infantry, cavalry, naval forces, and leaders.

Rulebook: A 24-page rulebook, along with subsequent updates and errata.

Dice: Two 6-sided dice for resolving combat and other game mechanics.

Player Aids: Two playing aid cards and additional operational methods pamphlets.

How To Setup War and Peace

Setting up War and Peace involves assembling the four-piece map board, which creates a long rectangular playing surface. Players then sort and place the various counters, including infantry, cavalry, naval forces, and leaders, according to the specific scenario being played. The game includes detailed setup instructions for each of the ten historical scenarios, as well as the grand campaign game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Attrition Phase: Forces are reduced to represent the effects of disease and desertion.

Alliance Phase: Diplomacy allows nations to ally with one another.

Reinforcement Phase: Players receive new units and resources.

Movement Phase: Units move across the map.

Combat Phase: Combat is resolved by totaling strength points, adjusting for supply and fortifications, and consulting the Combat Results Table.

Naval Rules: Used only in the campaign game, involving blockades and sea zone skirmishes.

Objective: The primary goal is to control key territories and defeat enemy forces, with the grand campaign game covering the entire Napoleonic Wars period from 1805 to 1815.

Player Experience

Playing War and Peace is a deeply strategic and immersive experience, especially for those interested in the Napoleonic Wars. The game offers a range of scenarios, from specific battles like Austerlitz and Waterloo to the comprehensive grand campaign. Players must manage supply lines, diplomacy, and military strategy, making it a game that requires careful planning and execution. The game’s mechanics, while simple, allow for a multitude of tactics and strategies, making each playthrough unique.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game provides a detailed and accurate representation of the Napoleonic Wars, with Scenario-specific historical events and figures.

Strategic Complexity: Offers a rich strategic experience with multiple phases and mechanics to manage.

Replayability: With ten historical scenarios and the grand campaign, the game offers high replay value.

Awards and Recognition: Nominated for the Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Pre-Twentieth Century Game in 1980.

Cons

Complexity in Campaign Game: The campaign game has been criticized for its complexity and unbalance in two-player mode, with some rules feeling “tacked on”.

Attrition Rules: The attrition phase can be challenging to manage, especially for large armies, reflecting the historical logistical challenges but also adding complexity to the game.

Rule Updates: The game has required several rule updates and corrections over the years, which can be confusing for new players.

Personal Thoughts on War and Peace

War and Peace is a game tailored for enthusiasts of strategic wargames and the Napoleonic era. It offers a deep and engaging experience that rewards careful planning and historical knowledge. While it can be challenging, especially in the campaign game, the game’s simplicity in mechanics coupled with its strategic depth makes it a standout title in the wargame genre. For those looking for a comprehensive and historically rich game on the Napoleonic Wars, War and Peace is an excellent choice.

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.