A House Divided: War Between the States 1861-65

Diseños Orbitales, Game Designers' Workshop (GDW Games), Mayfair Games · Board game · 1981
100.0 Ludopedia 7.1 BGG 2 · best 2 240 min Weight 2.6/5
Buy · from US$ 27.71
100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy wargames that get straight to the point, with clear strategy and a taste of historical simulation, 'A House Divided' is for you! It's a classic that throws you right into the American Civil War without much fuss.

Highlights
  • Engaging strategic simulation
  • Accessible mechanics
  • High replayability
  • Well-represented theme
Keep in mind
  • Language dependency
  • Can be lengthy
  • Simplified simulation
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to relive one of the most significant conflicts in American history with 'A House Divided: War Between the States 1861-65'! This game puts you in the shoes of a general commanding either Union or Confederate forces, in an epic battle that shaped the future of the United States. Forget the minute details of individual soldiers; here, the focus is on macro strategy, on the decisions that mold the destiny of nations.

The board is a detailed map of the USA, connecting cities and strategic points via rivers, roads, and railroads. Every move counts, every decision regarding recruitment or advancement can be the step towards victory or ruin. With a 40-round system, each round divided into phases for movement, attack, promotions, and recruitment, the game simulates the war in an engaging way, even allowing it to be broken down into smaller scenarios for those with less time.

The mechanics are straightforward: dice rolling to resolve combat and events, movement points for planning your offensives, and a point-to-point system for navigating the territory. While some sources suggest it's not as historically accurate as other games in the genre, 'A House Divided' delivers a solid and accessible strategic simulation experience. It's a title that requires a bit of attention to language, as some information might need translation, but the reward is deep immersion into the American Civil War. Ideal for those who enjoy wargames with a touch of simulation and clear strategy.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Country: USA Digital Implementations: VASSAL Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: American Civil War (Mayfair) War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher Diseños Orbitales, Game Designers' Workshop (GDW Games), Mayfair Games, Phalanx Games B.V.
Designer Alan Emrich, Frank Chadwick
Artist Frank Chadwick, Franz Vohwinkel, Jason Just, Jason Juta, Paul Richard "Rich" Banner, Rich Hasenauer, William H. Keith, Jr.

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

4,309owners
393wishlist
83want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime?
A full game of 'A House Divided' can take around 4 hours (240 minutes), but it can be broken down into smaller scenarios if time is limited.
How many players can participate?
This game is strictly for 2 players, simulating the conflict between the Union and the Confederacy.
Is the game very complex?
The complexity is considered moderate. The main mechanics involve dice rolling and movement points, making it accessible for those with some wargame experience.
Do I need to translate anything to play?
Yes, there is a moderate language dependency. It's recommended to have a translated spreadsheet or cards to facilitate access to rules and information during play.
Is it a good game for wargame beginners?
It's a good entry point for wargames focused on strategic simulation. The rules aren't overly complicated, but the playtime and tactical depth might be an initial challenge.
What does the BGG weight of 2.59 mean?
This rating indicates that the game has above-average complexity and strategic depth compared to most board games, but it's still considered manageable for experienced players and wargame enthusiasts.

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