Washington’s Wars (1993) – Board Game Guys

Washington’s War

Washington’s War is a two-player card-driven board wargame designed by Mark Herman and published by GMT Games in 2010. The game is set during the American Revolutionary War and the map depicts the east coast of the United States. One player controls the American forces, and the other player controls the British. The game is a reprint and upgrade of the Avalon Hill game We the People, first published in 1994.

Why is Washington’s War Popular?

Washington’s War is a popular game among historical war gamers, but it is also approachable and enjoyable for casual gamers and Eurogamers. The game has won several awards, including the 2010 Golden Geek Best Wargame Winner and the 2010 Charles S. Roberts Best Ancient to Napoleonic Era Board Wargame Winner. The game is significant because it provides a strategic-level simulation of the American Revolution, allowing players to initiate, control, weather, or exploit a wide variety of diplomatic, political, cultural, and military events in order to either help the United States win its independence or to retain the 13 colonies as British dominions.

Game Components of Washington’s War

Map: Depicts the east coast of the United States.

Cards: Event cards and operations cards.

Tokens: Political Influence tokens.

Dice: Used for combat resolution.

Player Boards: For tracking resources and actions.

How To Setup Washington’s War

Setup involves placing the map, shuffling the card deck, and distributing the initial Political Influence tokens and armies. Each player chooses a side, with one controlling the American forces and the other controlling the British forces. The setup time is approximately 5 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Driven Mechanics: Players use cards to execute actions, including events and operations.

Asymmetrical Capabilities: The British have a conventional army with naval dominance, while the Americans have an unconventional force relying on militia and potential French intervention.

Combat System: Dice-driven combat resolves battles quickly.

Game Objective: The Americans must control 7 colonies, while the British need to control 6 colonies to win.

Player Experience

Players experience a game of strategic depth with a relatively short playing time of 90-120 minutes. The game features a dynamic back-and-forth between the two sides, with each side playing to their strengths and protecting their vulnerabilities. The game captures the historical period well, including the uncertainty and attrition of the Revolutionary War.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Maintains deep strategy despite a shorter playing time.

Historical Accuracy: Captures the essence of the Revolutionary War.

Balanced Gameplay: Despite asymmetrical capabilities, the game remains balanced.

Easy to Learn: Rules are streamlined and less restrictive compared to other games in the genre.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Luck of the Draw: Card draws can significantly impact gameplay.

Complexity for New Players: While rules are simplified, it still requires strategic thinking.

Personal Thoughts on Washington’s War

“Washington’s War” is ideal for fans of historical wargames and those interested in the American Revolutionary War. It is suitable for players who appreciate strategic depth but have limited time for lengthy games. The game’s balance and historical accuracy make it a compelling choice for both casual and experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a multiplayer experience or a game with less reliance on card draws.

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