The American Revolution: Decision in North America

About this board game

The American Revolution: Decision in North America is a two-player wargame covering the War of American Independence from 1775 to 1782, with an approximately 300-minute playing time. Designed by Joseph Miranda, it lets one player command the Americans and the other command the British.

The American player may also control French and Spanish units if those nations enter the war. Players can choose the full campaign or a shorter scenario ending in 1779, creating two ways to experience the conflict across the game’s area map.

The map covers North America east of the Mississippi River, including the Caribbean. Each inch represents 100 miles, while brigade-sized units represent two to four battalions, or about 1,500 to 4,000 men. Each game turn represents one year, and the mapsheet includes all game charts and tables.

Decision in North America combines military operations with political and logistical pressures. Players contend with supply and forage, enlistment expirations, forced marches, leaders, fleets, fortresses and sieges, fog of war, and the mobilization of new units.

• Revolutionary political progress and colonial loyalties
• French and Spanish alliances, Hessians, and the European balance of power
• Militia, partisans, regulars, grenadiers, light troops, and detachments
• Frontier warfare, Indian sovereignty, overrun, massacre, and honors of war
• Political and military victory conditions

The rules total 13,000 words and are intended to allow two experienced players to finish a game in four to five hours. The system can also be adapted for solitaire play. The game was reprinted in Command Magazine Japan #128 in April 2016.