First Saratoga: Burgoyne's Gambit

It is late summer 1777. The grand British plan to cut New England off from the rest of the rebellious American colonies has failed. As a result, John Burgoyne's Northern Army suddenly stands dangerously alone. In an attempt to break through the American lines and reach Albany, Burgoyne throws his army at the defences at Bemis Heights. In dense woods, an American advance guard led by Benedict Arnold runs into the British advance, and so begins a fight that lasts all afternoon. Both sides keep sending in fresh troops. The battle ends undecided, which for Burgoyne is almost as bad as a defeat. First Saratoga: Burgoyne's Gambit uses the simplified QuickPlay version of the Musket & Saber system, which is all about warfare in the age of muzzle-loading muskets. The fighting is not about large numbers, but about the quality of your units. Historical tactics really pay off here. Weakened troops may take flight, so make sure you always keep reserves in hand. Your leaders make your units stronger, and special rules capture the details of eighteenth-century warfare, such as the rise of light infantry and the difference between professional soldiers and militia. You win by deploying well, combining your forces at the right moment and carefully making your weapons and leaders work together. Whoever understands the strengths and weaknesses of each army has the best view of victory. A lovely game to dive into together and relive a piece of history at the table.