# A House Divided: War Between the States 1861-65 ## General Info - **Year Published**: 1981 - **BGG Rating**: 7.1 - **BGG Rank**: #2230 - **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2) - **Duration**: 240 min - **Weight**: 2.59 / 5 - **Designers**: Alan Emrich, Frank Chadwick - **Artists**: Frank Chadwick, Franz Vohwinkel, Jason Just, Jason Juta, Paul Richard "Rich" Banner, Rich Hasenauer, William H. Keith, Jr. - **Publishers**: DiseƱos Orbitales, Game Designers' Workshop (GDW Games), Mayfair Games, Phalanx Games B.V. - **Categories**: American Civil War, Civil War, Post-Napoleonic, Wargame - **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Movement Points, Point to Point Movement, Simulation ## Verdict 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.Engaging strategic simulationAccessible mechanicsHigh replayabilityWell-represented themeLanguage dependencyCan be lengthySimplified simulationFOR GENRE FANS ## Description 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. ## FAQ ### 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. ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 76.95 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=148713&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/1804/a-house-divided?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com