Glory III

About this board game

Glory III is a brigade-level American Civil War game for 1–2 players, with an advertised play time of about 240 minutes. It presents two combat-intensive, one-map battles: Antietam and Cedar Creek.

The game uses GMT’s distinctive chit activation mechanic, creating tension because players never quite know when—or whether—a particular field commander will carry out orders. The system emphasizes ease and speed of play while retaining solid historical insight, and its main rules are only 12 pages long.

At Antietam, the activation system is closely tied to the Union command problems associated with McClellan. Players still have meaningful choices, however, and can pursue decisions different from those made historically, potentially changing the course of the battle.

Cedar Creek focuses on momentum. The scenario begins with a potentially effective Confederate surprise attack, followed by General Phil Sheridan’s return, the arrival of George Custer’s repeater-armed cavalry, and the Union effort to mount a counterattack against Jubal Early.

• Two battles: Antietam and Cedar Creek
• Flexible play: designed for two players and suitable for solitaire play
• Variable scenarios: from roughly 2 hours for Burnside’s late-afternoon Antietam attack to up to 12 hours for the full battle of Antietam
• Components: a 22 x 34 backprinted map, two counter sheets, a rulebook, a die, and player aid cards

Designed by Richard H. Berg and developed by Jim Dauphinais, Glory III is the third game in GMT’s Glory series. Its streamlined play, command uncertainty, and scenario-specific mechanics make it a focused way to explore two major Civil War battles.