Peter the Great

About this board game

Peter the Great is a two-player simulation game of the Battle of Poltava, designed for a playing time of approximately 120 minutes.

The game focuses on a pivotal moment in European military history: the climax of the Swedish warrior-king Charles XII’s invasion of Russia. Its subject is the Battle of Poltava, giving players a concentrated historical setting rather than a broad campaign spanning multiple conflicts.

As a simulation game, Peter the Great places the Battle of Poltava at the center of the experience. The historical context is clearly defined, with Charles XII’s invasion of Russia and the battle’s role as its decisive climax providing the foundation for play.

This is a strictly two-player title, making it a natural choice for opponents seeking a focused historical contest. With an estimated duration of two hours, it offers a substantial session while remaining centered on a single named battle.

Peter the Great was released in 1983 and published in The Wargamer Magazine #27. Its magazine publication places it within the tradition of dedicated historical game releases, where a specific event serves as the basis for a complete tabletop simulation.

For players interested in the military history of Charles XII, the Swedish invasion of Russia, or the Battle of Poltava itself, this game offers a direct way to engage with that episode. Its clear two-player format, defined historical subject, and approximately 120-minute playing time make its scope easy to understand before play begins.