La Bataille d’Orthez

About this board game

La Bataille d’Orthez is a 1–2 player Napoleonic battle game with an approximately 180-minute playing time, depicting Wellington’s attack on Soult’s Army of the Pyrenees on February 27, 1814.

After crossing the Gave de Pau River, Wellington’s forces advanced toward Orthez while Soult deployed six divisions on strong high-ground positions north and west of the town. Wellington attacked with eight divisions, seeking to break through the French defenses as the campaign moved toward Toulouse.

The game focuses on the infantry battle. Artillery has a supporting role, while only a small number of cavalry regiments appear on each side. Command control is central to play, highlighting the contrast between Wellington’s veteran, well-established hierarchy and Soult’s more makeshift organization.

• British strengths: numerical superiority, command flexibility, and excellent infantry
• French strengths: formidable defensive terrain and interior lines
• Scale: 100 meters per hex, 20 minutes per game turn, and 50–100 men per strength point

The main battle scenario is joined by several smaller scenarios that can be completed in a long evening. Optional rules add replayability and variation for both face-to-face and solitaire play, while the infantry emphasis makes La Bataille d’Orthez an accessible introduction to the system.

The game includes two hand-drawn maps of the battlefield by Rick Barber, 420 counters, and the usual assortment of charts and tables. Its rules are contained in a single book based on those included in La Bataille de Lutzen, providing a focused study of a difficult French defensive battle.