Amateurs to Arms!

Get ready to relive one of the most fascinating and, at times, overlooked conflicts in American and Canadian history with Amateurs to Arms! This game is a historical simulation of the War of 1812, where you take on the role of either the British (including Canadian) forces or the nascent United States. Although historically ending in a draw, the game explores the possibilities of other outcomes, with the Americans seeking to annex Canada and the British aiming to teach their former colonies a lesson.

The board covers all the war's theaters of battle, from the US/Canadian border and the Great Lakes to the vast wilderness of the old Northwest, the Atlantic coast, the Southern Indigenous nations, and the site of the final conflict at New Orleans. Each turn represents a few months, varying by season, and is driven by a card-based system. Players receive cards that can be used to activate historical events or for operations points, allowing them to move expeditions, build ships and fortifications, or raise troops.

A crucial element is the 'Peace Track,' where markers move as positive or negative events occur. Bad events increase war weariness among the populace, pushing both sides towards peace. Only a few rare events can rekindle the fervor for a longer war. When the markers meet, the game proceeds to the negotiations at Ghent, and the winner is determined. Oh, and there's a final twist: players still play one more card while news of the peace travels across the Atlantic! An immersive experience for history and strategy enthusiasts.