How the Union was Saved: the American Civil War 1861 - 1865

Author: Stephen Pole

How the Union was Saved is a two-player strategy wargame depicting the entire Civil War. One player controls the powers and resources of the North and the other controls the South.

During each stage, which represents three months of real time, players must figure out how best to spend their precious Resource Points. They are used to build and maintain a chain of supply bases necessary to supply the army. Resource points enable armies to move and fight, and are used to build fortifications. In general, Resource Points reflect the more advanced economy of the North, but the actual number available in each stage is subject to a random modifier and cards that represent some of the highlights of this war. The cards add a historical vibe and often increase the difficulty by inserting a wedge into the modes of your army's well-functioning machine.

Players who have played "How the West was Saved" will easily learn these elements.

How the Union was Saved features a new mechanism that highlights the "fog of war". There are only commanders on the board. The strength of subordinate armies (consisting of artillery, cavalry and infantry) is hidden from the opponent until the fight, and even then the combined strength of one or both sides may not be revealed. This solution puts players in the role of field commanders who can gain an advantage through clever use of deception. Of course, they are also at risk of a surprising twist if, for example, they mistake a large offensive operation for a sham maneuver.

There were some really exciting games during the tests that enjoyed both the winners and the losers.

We hope that those who purchase "How the Union was Saved" will also experience tense, enjoyable and rewarding gameplay.

Box Contents:

• 1 rigid board measuring 48x68 cm
• 18 wooden coasters
• 1 set of stickers
• 61 die-cut commander tokens measuring 15x30 mm
• 232 die cut unit and auxiliary tokens measuring 15x15 mm
• 2 rigid screens
• 40 cards of random events
• 2 six-sided dice: one blue and the other gray
• 1 color example of the game (8 pages)
• 1 manual (16 pages)

Playing time: 4 to 8 hours.

The game is intended for two players from the age of 12.