Let 1812 Be Your Introduction to Block Wargaming

The War of 1812 from Columbia Games might just be the perfect introductory block wargame. Based on that somewhat forgotten war between the fledgling United States and England, the game both enlightens and entertains as the military campaign unfolds. Originally released in 1973, 1812 has served as a gateway wargame for forty-five years now. Its secret may be in its simplicity:

• Only 50 blocks total; 25 blue (Americans) vs. 25 red (English).
• An 11x34 board recreating the maps of the era (beautifully drawn by artist Eric Hotz).
• (4) six sided dice.
• An 8 page rule book. 

That’s it. And yet, that’s more than enough. 

Movement in the game is point to point, with specific cities holding certain Victory Point values (Quebec is 5, Montreal 4, Albany 4, etc.). 

As with other Columbia Games, the blocks display their value, both for combat and morale. For combat, most blocks hit on a 1 or a 2 rolled, while carrying a 3 or 4 starting value at the top. Step reduction results from hits received via dice rolls during battle. 

The history of the war is recreated in an (intentionally) limited scope. 1812 isn’t looking to present all of the War; there is no burning down of the White House or Battle of New Orleans. But by narrowing its focus to the Great Lakes and the invasion of Canada, simplicity is maintained without forfeiting historical accuracy.

War of 1812 effectively introduces the block wargame novice to familiar Columbia Games mechanics such as: fog of war (see here), point to point movement, turn order, and step reduction. The quality of the components and the elegance of the system makes you want to get this on the table again and again. 1812 is indeed a great introductory game which still manages to capture the imagination and interest of the veteran wargamer. 

Photo credit: Brian Williams 

Block Wargame Strategic Principles

(Pictured: EastFront 2nd Edition by Columbia Games)

For those new to block wargames the challenge of achieving victory might seem at first a bit daunting or even downright elusive. From the scale and scope of the mapboard, to the sheer number of blocks in play, to the luck (or bad luck) of the dice rolls, new players...and even a few not so new ones...might question just how much a part strategy plays in winning. 

Recently I came across an article which speaks to this very question. Writing at the Columbia Games site, Seth Owens provides five strategic principles for block wargaming, five rules of thumb to guide the wargamer. 

1. Patience. When the back of the box says 1-3 hours, that’s exactly what it means. When playing a block wargame it’s important to understand that you cannot rush your offensive. Some scenarios do require one particular player to be more aggressive earlier in the game, but this isn’t the same as being impatient or careless. As Owens notes in his article, “Block wargame offensives typically require considerable preparation...and it may very well take several rounds of fighting, possibly spread over more than one turn...to get a result.”
2. Equanimity. Cool under fire. The great generals throughout history maintained their composure in battle. “The Fog of War in Block wargames inherently flusters many” says Owens, “US Grant had an epiphany early in his career when it dawned on him that his enemy was just as afraid of him as he was of them.” Recognizing this as well, players need to execute their plan of action and avoid predictability, never wavering despite the occasional setback.
3. Know when to retreat from (losing) battles. Dice rolls will go against you. Troops will be depleted. Hanging in a skirmish too long, well after it is evident that the odds are against success, is a recipe for defeat. In many games supply points allow a compromised unit to be strengthened. However, lost blocks are often irreplaceable. Hoping for miraculous dice rolls to stave off likely defeat is a great way to lose a game. 
4. Economics. Owens notes, “Most of the block games involve some rudimentary economic considerations as damaged units are repaired and new units formed.” Often the availability of resources or supply points rely upon territorial control. What may seem a lower priority during earlier turns will likely increase as the game moves on. 
5. Principles of War. It’s important to note that this fifth principle was named by Owens in the first article but part 5 was never completed. For this final principle, however, we can deduce that he was referring to the same Principles of War that were written by Carl von Clausewitz in 1812 for his sixteen year old student the Crown Prince (and future King of Prussia) Friedrich Wilhelm IV. They are: concentration of force at decisive points with superior numbers; given the choice between being bold or prudent in War, choose the boldest course; and when the odds are against you rely upon equanimity and for best use of your available means for victory.

See if you can remember to apply these strategic principles the next time you get your favorite block wargame on the table. Doing so may be the difference between victory and defeat.

What is a Block Wargame Anyway?

So what exactly is a block wargame? Here’s a pretty good definition courtesy of BoardGameGeek:

“A style of wargame where the units are wooden blocks with their identities shown on one side of the block and only visible to their owner. This promotes “fog of war” as the identities/strength of each unit is concealed. Typically, blocks are also rotated to show their current strength on the top edge allowing an elegant method of “step losses.” Columbia Games publishes most of their wargames as block games–though other companies are starting to produce them. Well-known block wargames are Napoleon, Hammer of the Scots, East Front (and its expansions).”

A key component, or game mechanic, found in block wargames is what’s known as fog of war, or the “not knowing” of what lies on the other side of the hill. Just how powerful and numerous is your foe as you engage them in battle?

In his classic nineteenth century military treatise Vom Kriege (On War), Carl von Clausewitz noted: 

“War is the realm of uncertainty; three quarters of the factors on which action in war is based are wrapped in a fog of greater or lesser uncertainty. A sensitive and discriminating judgment is called for; a skilled intelligence to scent out the truth.” 

Block wargames are also terrific history. The textbook is brought to life on detailed maps which often feature terrain effects influencing movement and strategy throughout the campaign. Literally, hobby meets history when the game makes it to your table for play.