Clash of Wills: Shiloh 1862

About this board game

Clash of Wills: Shiloh 1862 is a two-player American Civil War game played in about 60 minutes, recreating the first major clash of arms in the war’s western theater.

Set near dawn on April 6, 1862, the game places each player in command of one of the opposing armies. The Confederate player begins with a devastating surprise attack against the Union camps around Shiloh Church, seeking to exploit the blue coats’ disorganization before reinforcements can arrive.

The Confederate objective is bold: rout the Union army and capture Pittsburg Landing in time to deliver a potentially fatal blow to the invading force. Every advance brings the possibility of victory, but the opportunity depends on maintaining pressure during the opening phase of the battle.

As the Union player, survival comes first. You must withstand the initial onslaught and hold back the advancing rebels throughout the first day. On the following day, your full forces can be deployed to crush the latest threat to the survival of the United States.

• Players: 2
• Playing time: 60 minutes
• Setting: Shiloh, April 1862
• Opposing roles: Confederate and Union armies

Clash of Wills: Shiloh 1862 turns the battle’s contrasting challenges into a focused contest of wills. One side must capitalize on surprise and reach Pittsburg Landing, while the other must endure the first day and prepare the strength needed for the fight to come.