A Few Acres of Snow

2011

Experience the tension of the British-French conflict in North America in 'A Few Acres of Snow'. A strategic, deck-building game that combines history and strategy, demanding your skill in warfare and colonization.

90
minutes

2 - 2
player(s)

14+

Medium Heavy

About the game

‘A Few Acres of Snow’ is a fascinating board game by Martin Wallace that beautifully merges the genres of deck-building and war gaming. Set against the backdrop of the French and British colonial struggles in North America, the game provides an immersive dive into the historical events of the 17th and 18th centuries.

The theme of the game is the conflict known as the French-Indian War, with one player representing the British and the other the French. The setting is the vast expanse of North America, with cities and regions represented on the board. The objective is to gain the upper hand over your opponent by capturing their cities, increasing your resources, and strategically building your deck.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

The board game ‘A Few Acres of Snow’ includes several different components, each serving a unique purpose in the game. The interaction of these elements forms the core mechanics and strategy of the game. Below is a detailed list and description of each component.

1. Game Board

The game board represents the geographical area where the game takes place, divided into different regions. The regions are connected by lines indicating possible movement paths for the players’ units. The board also features key cities and towns that players aim to control.

2. Deck of Cards

The deck of cards is one of the main components of ‘A Few Acres of Snow’. Each card represents different types of resources, actions, or units. Players draw cards from their personal decks and use them to perform various actions such as moving units, constructing buildings, or engaging in combat. The interaction of these cards forms the basis of the game’s strategy.

3. Wooden Pieces

These pieces symbolize the players’ armies and are used to show control of cities and regions on the game board. There are different shapes and colours to distinguish between the types of units and the player they belong to.

4. Money Tokens

Money tokens represent the economic resources of the players. Players spend these tokens to perform certain actions, such as buying new cards for their deck or building structures. Managing money tokens effectively is crucial for success in the game.

5. Buildings

The game includes several wooden pieces that represent different types of buildings, such as forts and trading posts. Players can build these structures in the regions they control to gain various benefits, such as extra defense or income.

6. Player Aid Cards

These cards provide a summary of the game rules and the possible actions that a player can take during their turn. They are a handy reference tool, especially for new players.

7. Rulebook

The rulebook provides a detailed explanation of the game’s rules and mechanics. It also includes illustrations and examples to help players understand the game.

8. Victory Point Track

This track is used to keep score during the game. Players earn victory points by controlling cities, winning battles, and achieving other objectives. The player with the most victory points at the end of the game is the winner.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

‘A Few Acres of Snow’ is a captivating board game set during the French and Indian War. The game involves two players, one in the role of the British and the other as the French. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up the game:

Step 1: Board Placement

Unfold the game board and place it in the center of the playing area. The board displays a map of the northeastern part of North America, with specific regions represented by interconnected circles. The British start on the right side of the board in the region of Halifax, while the French start on the left side in Quebec.

Step 2: Player Roles

Decide who will play the British and who will play the French. The player who chooses the British takes the blue playing pieces, and the player who chooses the French takes the white playing pieces. Each player also takes a deck of location cards that corresponds to their chosen side.

Step 3: Initial Resources

Each player starts the game with a number of location cards and empire cards. The British player begins with the Halifax location card and seven empire cards, while the French player begins with the Quebec location card and seven empire cards. These cards form the initial draw deck for each player.

Step 4: Random Elements

Shuffle the neutral deck of cards and place it next to the game board. Draw the top five cards and place them face up next to the deck. These cards represent additional resources that players can acquire during the game.

Step 5: Initial Settlements

Each player places a village marker on their starting location on the board. The British player places a village marker on Halifax, and the French player places a village marker on Quebec. These initial settlements represent the starting points for each empire’s expansion.

Step 6: Preparation for Play

Each player shuffles their initial deck of cards and places it face down in front of them. This deck forms the draw pile for each player. Then, each player draws a hand of five cards from their draw pile. The game is now ready to begin.

Remember, the objective of ‘A Few Acres of Snow’ is to expand your empire by establishing new settlements and capturing enemy territories. The player with the most victory points at the end of the game is declared the winner.

Game flow Round and round we go

A Few Acres of Snow is a strategic board game designed for two players. It is set in the backdrop of the French and British colonial struggle in North America. The game is card-driven, where each player’s deck represents the military, economic, and political capabilities of their empire and the challenges they face.

The game does not follow a traditional round or phase structure, but is rather a continuous cycle of turns between the two players until the game ends. Each player’s turn can involve multiple steps, which are:

Draw Cards: At the start of their turn, a player will draw up to their hand limit from their personal deck. If their deck is empty, they shuffle their discard pile to form a new deck.
Take Actions: The player then takes 1-2 actions. Actions include placing units, attacking, settling, trading, drafting new cards, and managing their deck.
Discard Cards: The player may then discard any number of cards from their hand.
End of Turn: The player’s turn ends and it’s the other player’s turn.

The actions that a player can take are dictated by the cards in their hand. Here are some of the main actions:

Settlement: This allows a player to extend their reach across the map. A player can settle a location by discarding a card that matches the location they wish to settle.
Placing Units: A player can place military units on the board to defend their settlements or prepare for attacks. This is done by discarding a card with a military icon.
Attack: A player can initiate a siege on an opponent’s settlement. The success of the attack will depend on the cards played by both players during the siege.
Trade: A player can discard a card with a trade icon to gain money, which can be used to draft new cards.
Drafting Cards: A player can spend money to add new cards to their deck, representing growth and development of their empire.
Deck Management: A player can use certain actions to remove cards from their deck or reshuffle their discard pile into their deck.

The game ends when either the British player captures Quebec, the French player captures Halifax, or the draw pile of the available cards runs out. The winner is determined by counting victory points, which are gained through controlling regions on the map and capturing enemy settlements.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of ‘A Few Acres of Snow’ ends when one of the following conditions are met:

Siege Victory: A player can achieve a Siege Victory by capturing their opponent’s capital city. In the case of the British player, this is Quebec, and for the French player, the capital city is New York. To capture a city, a player must successfully lay siege to it and then win the siege.
Deck Exhaustion: The game also ends when a player cannot draw any more cards from their deck. This is known as Deck Exhaustion.
Draw Pile Exhaustion: The game ends if the draw pile of location cards is exhausted and can’t be replenished.

When any of these conditions are met, the game ends immediately and scoring takes place. The player with the most victory points is declared the winner. Victory points are awarded in the following ways:

Victory Points from Locations: Each location that a player controls at the end of the game is worth a certain number of victory points. The number of victory points each location is worth is indicated on the card representing that location.
Victory Points from Siege Victory: If a player wins through a Siege Victory, they automatically receive additional victory points. The British player receives 10 victory points for capturing Quebec, and the French player receives 12 victory points for capturing New York.

Before final scoring, players must perform the following action:

End of Game Card Discard: Each player is required to discard any remaining cards in their hand. These cards do not count towards the final score.

In the event of a tie, the player who did not initiate the end of the game is declared the winner.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

‘A Few Acres of Snow’ is a strategy board game that employs a scoring system based on the acquisition of territories and the completion of certain actions. It’s important to understand the full scoring system to maximize your strategy and performance.

1. Acquisition of Territories:

Settlements: At the end of the game, each player gains 1 point for each settlement they control. Settlements are smaller and easier to acquire, but yield fewer points.
Cities: Each city controlled by a player is worth 2 points. Cities are harder to acquire but yield more points.
Quebec and New York: These are special cities and each is worth 3 points.

2. Completion of Actions:

Raids: Successful raids can earn players extra points. Each successful raid by a player earns them 1 point.
Empire Cards: Empire cards are special cards that can be acquired throughout the game. Each Empire card is worth 2 points.

3. Tie-Breaking Rules:

In the event of a tie, the game uses the following rules to determine the winner:

The player who is not the British player (i.e., the French player) wins the tie. This is because the game is historically biased towards the British, so the tie goes to the French as a balancing mechanic.
If the tied players are both British or both French, the player who completed the game with the fewest turns wins.
If there is still a tie, the player with the most settlements wins.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

A Few Acres of Snow is a strategic game that requires a deep understanding of its rules to fully enjoy. While the basic game rules are generally straightforward, there are some special rules, exceptions, and clarifications that can significantly impact gameplay.

Special Rules:

Deck Limit: Unlike in many games, there is no limit to the number of cards you can hold in your hand in A Few Acres of Snow. This rule allows players to build larger strategies.
Reserve: The game introduces the concept of a ‘Reserve’, a special area where players can place cards for later use. Only certain cards can be placed in the Reserve, and they can’t be used for normal actions while they are there.

Exceptions:

Settlement Expansion: Normally, players can only expand to regions connected to their existing settlements. However, there is an exception for Major Cities, which can be settled from any connected region, not just ones with existing settlements.
Bilingualism: Some cards are bilingual, meaning they can be used for both English and French actions. This is an exception to the general rule that cards can only be used for actions of their own nationality.

Clarifications:

Location of Siege Units: Siege units are not placed on the board. Instead, they are used in battle and then returned to the player’s hand. This differs from most units, which are placed on the board when used.
Raiding: Raiding can only be conducted on a location if it is not connected to one of your own locations by a line of communication. This is a clarification of the general rule that you can conduct actions on any location.
Settler Card: The use of the settler card is not limited to expanding your own territory. It can also be used to disrupt your opponent’s plans by expanding into regions they were planning to settle.

Understanding these special rules, exceptions, and clarifications can greatly enhance your strategy and enjoyment of A Few Acres of Snow.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

The board game ‘A Few Acres of Snow’ is a war-themed game based on the French and Indian War. The game features deck-building and area control mechanisms. Here are some advanced strategies, beginner tips, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to optimize gameplay.

Advanced Strategies:

Manage Your Deck: One of the most important strategies is managing your deck effectively. This means not only adding powerful cards but also removing weaker ones to ensure that your deck remains balanced and efficient.
Control Key Locations: Controlling key locations on the board can give you access to more resources and create a buffer zone between you and your opponent. Focus on those which offer strategic benefits or disrupt your opponent’s plans.
Keep an Eye on Your Opponent’s Deck: If you can predict your opponent’s moves, you’ll have a significant advantage. Pay attention to the cards they’re buying and the strategies they’re using.

Beginner Tips:

Understand the Rules: Before you start playing, make sure you fully understand the game’s rules. This includes not only the basic mechanics but also the various strategies you can employ.
Start Slow and Steady: Don’t rush to attack your opponent. Instead, focus on building up your own positions and resources. This will provide a solid foundation for later in the game.
Try Different Strategies: Don’t stick to the same strategy every game. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Overextending Yourself: It’s easy to get carried away and try to control too much of the board too quickly. However, this often leaves your positions vulnerable and your resources stretched thin.
Neglecting Your Deck: Some players focus too much on the board and neglect their deck. Remember, your deck is your primary tool for controlling the board. If it’s inefficient or unbalanced, you’ll struggle to keep up with your opponent.
Ignoring Your Opponent: Don’t get so wrapped up in your own plans that you ignore what your opponent is doing. Always try to anticipate their moves and counter them.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Plan Your Moves in Advance: Try to plan your moves a few turns in advance. This will allow you to build momentum and execute more effective strategies.
Balance Your Deck: Make sure your deck has a good balance of attack, defense, and resource cards. Too much of any one type can leave you vulnerable.
Adapt to Your Opponent: If your opponent is playing aggressively, consider adopting a more defensive strategy. If they’re playing defensively, try to pressure them into making mistakes.