Gettysburg

About this board game

Gettysburg is a two-player historical wargame about the Battle of Gettysburg, with a playing time of approximately 120 minutes. Released in 1977, it presents three levels of play, ranging from a simple, fast-moving basic game to an exceptionally detailed advanced game.

The game recreates a pivotal Confederate offensive in which success could mean the probable capture of Baltimore and Washington, while failure would end the Confederate offensive. Its original version was the first historical wargame on the market, and the 1977 edition is described as the ultimate game on the battle.

The basic game follows the classic tradition: simple, quick, and furious. Each side has about 25 counters on the board, making this the most accessible way to experience the conflict.

The intermediate game adds substantial depth, with 60 to 80 counters in play for each player. It introduces terrain effects, strategic movement, voluntary retreats, a more sophisticated combat system, disorganization, command control, breastworks, and artillery fire.

• Basic game: streamlined play with about 25 counters per side.
• Intermediate game: expanded forces and additional terrain, movement, command, and combat rules.
• Advanced game: formations, unit experience, detailed command control, facing, range of influence, leaders, and an expanded combat sequence.

The advanced game is the most detailed treatment, adding formations such as column, line, and battle, along with unit activities for each turn and individual leaders. It also includes the most detailed order of battle for Gettysburg possible, offering a comprehensive Civil War strategy and tactics experience.