The von Reisswitz Kriegsspiel: The Prussian Army Wargame

About this board game

The von Reisswitz Kriegsspiel: The Prussian Army Wargame is a map-based military wargame for 2–99 players, with an expected playing time of 300 minutes. Released in 1824, it presents instructions for representing military maneuvers with Kriegspiel apparatus.

This edition is a 1983 English translation and reprint of the original Prussian Kriegspiel map wargame. The accompanying book includes the tables and charts required for play, along with cardboard units to cut out and a terrain map designed for a small battle.

The translation by Leeson also incorporates elements from later developments in the game, extending to approximately 1870. This makes the edition a record of the rules-based tradition known as Rigid Kriegspiel, before it gave way to Free Kriegspiel, a system based on the umpire’s judgment and experience.

• Original Prussian map wargame presented in English
• Tables and charts needed to play
• Cardboard units to cut out
• Terrain map for a small battle
• Later rule developments included through about 1870

The von Reisswitz Kriegsspiel focuses on the formal representation of military maneuvers through its rules, reference materials, map, and units. Its subtitle, Instructions for the Representation of Military Maneuvers with Kriegspiel Apparatus, clearly describes the purpose of the system.

The book was reprinted by Too Fat Lardies in 2007, making this historic Prussian wargame available through a later edition that preserves its translated rules and play materials.