Across the Potomac

About this board game

Across the Potomac is a two-player simulation of the 1863 Gettysburg campaign during the American Civil War. One player commands Gen. Robert E. Lee, while the other leads Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker until June 28, then Maj. Gen. George G. Meade.

The game uses a double-blind system: each player has an identical map hidden from the other. Armies must search for one another using cavalry and pickets, making the location of enemy forces a central challenge. Movement is governed by command points, which are determined by leader quality.

The campaign includes the battles of Brandy Station, Second Winchester, and Gettysburg. Victory depends on destroying enemy units and capturing or defending real estate, creating a contest between military strength, movement, and control of important locations.

• Two hidden, identical 17×22-inch maps
• 125 counters, battleboard, and Turn Record sheets
• Rules covering Hooker’s replacement by Meade
• Optional rules for Rain, Bridge Burning, Naval Movement, Piccett Goes West, and Reynolds Takes Command

Two additional scenarios expand the experience: The Great Invasion, beginning on turn 14, and Lee vs. Meade. These scenarios can be completed faster than a complete game, which takes about four hours according to the official description; BoardGameGeek lists a 120-minute play time.

Released in 1994, Across the Potomac includes 14 pages of rules. A six-sided die and a ten-sided die are required to play, while the two-player format keeps the campaign focused on a direct clash between opposing commanders.