Mr. Madison’s War: The Incredible War of 1812

About this board game

Mr. Madison’s War: The Incredible War of 1812 is a strategy game for two players, with an approximate playing time of 240 minutes. Set during the US campaigns to take Canada from 1812 to 1814, it focuses on the northern United States and the Canadian provinces of Upper and Lower Canada.

The large 35″ x 24″ map covers the northern parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, along with the principal Canadian campaign area. Players seek Victory Points by invading enemy territory while maintaining control of their own. The game is described as average in complexity and offers a comprehensive treatment of the War of 1812.

At the heart of the game is a card-driven system. Cards allow players to perform actions on the board or score automatic points by playing a card as its historical event. Each of the 110 cards includes historical information, the year of the event, and a detailed explanation of its function.

• More than 203 counters representing named regiments, battalions, militia, and Indian units
• Named schooners, brigs, and frigates involved in the naval war on the Great Lakes
• Principal leaders including Major General Isaac Brock, Sir George Prevost, and Major General Hull
• A 35″ x 24″ map board, illustrated rule book, and five player aid sheets

The player aids include a Combat Results Table and cards for setting up various reinforcements. Colorful event cards and named historical units give the conflict a detailed presentation, while the campaign framework lets players contest both land and naval operations.

Released in 2012, Mr. Madison’s War is aimed at players interested in the War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars in general. GMT Games also produced a mounted map for the game, sold separately.