Amateurs to Arms!

About this board game

Amateurs to Arms! is a two-player historical simulation of the War of 1812, with a play time of about 150 minutes. One player commands the British, including Canadian forces, while the other directs the Americans.

The conflict ended in a draw historically, but the game allows other outcomes. The Americans seek to annex Canada, while the British aim to teach their former colonies a lesson. The campaign covers the US–Canadian border and Great Lakes, along with the old Northwest, the Atlantic coast of the United States, the Civilized Indians of the south, and New Orleans.

Each turn represents several months, with the exact span depending on the season. Players receive the number of cards shown on the turn track, while winter and spring bring additional special tasks. The Americans have more resources to commit until Napoleon is defeated in Europe; afterward, the British player can concentrate more resources on North America.

Every card offers a choice. Play its event for the situation described, or use its Operations Points to move Expeditions, build ships and fortifications, or raise troops. This creates a direct tension between triggering historical events and using cards to develop military operations.

• Six interconnected theaters, from the Great Lakes to New Orleans
• Seasonal turns and shifting resource availability
• Cards used for events or Operations Points
• A Peace Track that records each side’s war weariness

Events on cards and the map move markers along the Peace Track. Most developments push the population toward peace, while a smaller number rally support for continuing the war. When the markers meet, the game moves to negotiations at Ghent, where the winner is determined.

Amateurs to Arms! adds one final twist: each player plays one more card while news of peace crosses the Atlantic.