Waterloo

About this board game

Waterloo is a two-player board game about the French and British fighting for control of the battlefield, with an approximate play time of 180 minutes. Released in 2009, it builds tension through uncertain action planning, shifting damage, morale checks, and crucial terrain objectives.

Each turn, you know the possible range of actions available to you, while your opponent knows exactly how many actions you have. This unusual action system makes preparation less certain: you may need to decide whether to move infantry into a defensive position or advance more cautiously, giving the opponent a better chance to seize valuable ground.

Damage is represented by blue, red, and black cubes. You can distribute these cubes throughout your lines to represent troops moving between the front and rear. Shifting damage away from the front may seem sensible, but a cavalry breakthrough can leave exposed troops in serious danger.

• Action uncertainty: Plan while your opponent knows your exact action count.
• Damage management: Move colored damage cubes through your lines as the battle develops.
• Morale: Resolve morale only during face-to-face combat by comparing a die roll with the damage level in an area.
• Terrain control: Fight for locations such as La Haye Sainte and highland areas that can protect support and prevent a pinch.

Control of the battlefield is central to Waterloo. The French win by taking Mont St. Jean, while the British win by taking Rosonne. If neither objective is reached before the final turn at 8 p.m., victory goes to the British and Allies.

With its hidden uncertainty, careful damage distribution, and sharply defined objectives, Waterloo presents a focused contest in which every advance and defensive choice can shape the final result.