Bayonets & Tomahawks

GMT Games · Board game · 2021
1–4 · best 2 Solo 120–600 min Weight 3.2/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.9 rating BGG
Buy
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Historical wargame fans will love Bayonets & Tomahawks for its depth and asymmetry. It’s tactical, immersive, and surprisingly fluid.

Highlights
  • Well-executed historical asymmetry
  • Innovative card system
  • Beautiful and functional map
  • Great for wargame newcomers
  • Versatile (solo or teams)
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime (2h+)
  • Language-dependent (card text)
  • Complex for non-genre fans
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About the game
Bayonets & Tomahawks is a strategic 2-player wargame set in the French and Indian War (1755-1760), a colonial conflict full of tactical asymmetries. One player commands the British with their traditional military might, while the other leads the French and indigenous allies, experts in guerrilla warfare and surprise attacks. The game is card-driven but with a twist: instead of managing a hand, you choose between two cards per round, balancing immediate actions with future planning. Each action round lets you move troops, build fortifications, launch attacks, and even conduct naval operations—all with an action point system that forces tough choices. Battles and sieges are resolved with dice, but the strategy lies in how you use your unique resources: the British have numbers, the French have mobility and indigenous allies. Victory depends on controlling key territories or accumulating invasion/raid points, varying by scenario (from 1 year to the entire war). It can be played solo or, if you want to split command, with teams of up to 5 players—perfect for those who love discussing tactics in groups. The game won awards in 2021 for its design and map, and while complex, the system is fluid enough not to intimidate wargame newcomers.
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Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 BEST
3 OK
4 OK
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Game details

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Country: Canada Country: France Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: VASSAL History: Age of Kings History: French and Indian War Players: Two-Player Only Games Theme: Native Americans / First Peoples War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Marc Rodrigue (II)
Artist Marc Rodrigue (II)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game take?
Depends on the scenario: from 2 hours (1 war year) up to 10 hours (full conflict).
Is it language-dependent?
Yes, cards have relevant text. Non-English speakers will need translations.
Can it be played solo?
Yes! The game has official solo rules, and the turn structure makes it easy to manage.
What’s the difference between factions?
British have more troops but are slow; French are agile with indigenous allies for ambushes.
Is it good for wargame beginners?
Yes, it’s one of the more accessible wargames, but still requires patience to learn the rules.
How many players does it support?
Officially 2, but rules allow splitting factions into teams of up to 5 players.
Are there expansions?
Not currently, but the base game includes multiple scenarios with different lengths.