The Battles of Rhode Island & Newport

About this board game

The Battles of Rhode Island & Newport is a two-player American Revolution game and Volume 9 in GMT’s Battles of the American Revolution series, designed by Mark S. Miklos.

The main scenario, The Battle of Rhode Island, uses a map of the island’s northern half, including the fortified American positions around Butt’s Hill. American forces retreat while British and Hessian troops pursue them, primarily along two main roads. Although the tactical situation is straightforward, the game features the nuanced play and distinctive texture associated with the series.

Replayability comes from unique 26-card Opportunity Card decks for both players. Cards can enhance your side or diminish the enemy, providing effects such as combat-result adjustments, Army Morale changes, leader replacements, tactics advantages, step losses, step recovery, and additional units entering play.

• 64 American, British, and Hessian combat units and leaders
• Opportunity Cards drawn at the start and during play
• Additional card draws linked to casualties and terrain objectives
• Momentum that can be spent to purchase extra cards
• A possible extra turn of “night,” allowing a British surprise attack
• British warships capable of offshore bombardment

As a bonus, The Battles of Rhode Island & Newport includes The Battle of Newport, a hypothetical second scenario with another map board. It depicts Newport, the British defensive works around the city, and American siege lines, while assuming the French army remained on the island to cooperate in a direct assault.

This second scenario offers a “what-if” study of the first attempted cooperation between Franco-American forces during the war. With only a handful of exclusive rules, players familiar with the core system can quickly begin exploring both battles.