# A Most Fearful Sacrifice: The Three Days of Gettysburg

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2022
- **BGG Rating**: 8.6
- **BGG Rank**: #4638
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 60-4320 min
- **Weight**: 3.14 / 5
- **Designers**: Hermann Luttmann
- **Artists**: José Ramón Faura, Mark Maritato, Rick Barber
- **Publishers**: Flying Pig Games, Tiny Battle Publishing
- **Categories**: American Civil War, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Hexagon Grid, Line of Sight, Movement Points, Simulation

## Verdict
For historical wargamers who crave a massive board: Gettysburg at its most tactical and immersive.Epic scale with streamlined rulesNail-biting tactical choicesUnpredictable historical eventsLanguage-dependent (needs translation)LONG playtime (up to 72h!)FOR GENRE FANS

## Description
In *A Most Fearful Sacrifice*, you relive the three decisive days of the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the American Civil War. With a massive board (15 sq ft!) and 526 pieces, this two-player tactical wargame throws you into the fray—from Buford’s cavalry’s opening shots to the bloody finale. The *Black Swan* system (an evolution of the acclaimed *Blind Swords*) streamlines rules without sacrificing depth: Corps-level activations speed up play, but tactical choices—like prioritizing divisions—keep tension high. Cards replace random chits, and the three 'FOWs' (*Fog*, *Friction*, *Fortunes of War*) ensure neither Lee nor Meade ever has full control. Expect unpredictable historical events (those game-changing 'black swans') and hours of nail-biting strategy. Pro tip: Don’t underestimate Cemetery Hill!

## FAQ
### How long is a typical game?
Scenario-dependent: from 1h (isolated engagements) to 72h for the full 3-day battle (yes, it’s a weekend project!).

### Is it language-dependent?
Yes, all cards and manuals are in English. Non-English speakers will need translations or fluency.

### Good for wargame newbies?
Not the simplest, but the *Black Swan* system is more approachable than most tactical titles. Try 1-2 hex-based wargames first.

### Player count?
Best at 2 (Union vs. Confederacy). Rules don’t support more, but house rules could allow 'command teams' per side.

### How does it differ from other Gettysburg games?
Tactical focus (you manage divisions, not armies) and 'black swan' events—rare twists that mirror historical turning points.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 179.06 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6317852&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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