Brandywine & Germantown

About this board game

Brandywine & Germantown is a two- to four-player wargame of the American War of Independence, with an approximate playing time of 360 minutes. It brings two battles to the Battles from the Age of Reason series, with both games included in one box.

The system follows the established BAR rules while adapting the strength-point ratio for the smaller battles and units of North America. Here, one strength point represents 50 men, 25 horsemen, or one cannon. The game retains the series scale of 100 yards per hex and 20 minutes per turn, while stacking limits are doubled to match the revised strength scale.

Brandywine uses four maps and offers four scenarios. Players can command Knyphausen’s attack at Chads Ford, Cornwallis’ attack at Birmingham Meeting House, Howe’s historical plan combining both attacks, or an optional Howe plan featuring alternative British schemes of maneuver. Washington may gather intelligence about British movements, including both true and false information, and may be able to readjust his force.

Germantown uses two maps and includes two scenarios. These versions differ according to whether the American player must seize the Chew House. Both battles also reflect the notable lack of cavalry in the campaigns, with counters presented in the style of the other BAR games and variations such as rifle frocks.

• One 48-page booklet of special rules, scenarios, and historical commentary
• Four 22" × 34" and two 22" × 16" full-color period-style maps
• Two sheets totaling 560 half-inch counters and series markers
• Cardstock charts and tables, plus two 10-sided dice

Released in 2000, Brandywine & Germantown combines historical alternatives, period presentation, and the established BAR framework in a substantial study of two American battles.