# Fort Sumter: The Secession Crisis, 1860-61

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2018
- **BGG Rating**: 6.4
- **BGG Rank**: #5324
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 20-40 min
- **Weight**: 1.82 / 5
- **Designers**: Mark Herman
- **Artists**: Francisco Colmenares, Knut Grünitz, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan
- **Publishers**: GMT Games
- **Categories**: American Civil War, Card Game, Civil War, Political, Post-Napoleonic, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Action / Event, Area Majority / Influence, Campaign / Battle Card Driven, Events, Hand Management, Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game, Simulation

## Verdict
For Twilight Struggle fans craving a quick historical fix: political tension in 40 minutes, with storytelling cards.Fast-paced yet weightyImmersive historical eventsGreat time/depth ratioLow back-to-back replayability2-player onlyRECOMMENDED

## Description
Fort Sumter is a fast-paced, tense two-player game recreating the political crisis that sparked the American Civil War. In under an hour, you and your opponent take on the roles of Unionists and Secessionists, battling for control over four critical dimensions — Politics, Secession, Public Opinion, and Armaments — using cards that blend historical events with strategic actions. The game is a compact version of Mark Herman's 'Card Driven' system (yes, the one from Twilight Struggle), where every card played can be a game-changer: deploy William Lloyd Garrison to sway public opinion or Jefferson Davis to accelerate secession, while Southern states decide whether to stay or leave the Union. Matches feature three intense rounds, culminating in a Final Crisis where reserved cards come into play to decide the winner. The small board (11x17 inches) and straightforward rules make it an accessible wargame, but one packed with tough decisions: pushing too hard might give you an early edge but cost you points later. Ideal for gamers who want deep historical gameplay without an all-afternoon commitment.

## FAQ
### How long does a game take?
25-40 minutes — perfect for a strategic lunchtime showdown.

### Do I need US history knowledge to play?
Nope! Cards explain events, but context enriches the experience.

### Is it too complex for wargame beginners?
It’s one of the most accessible — 4-page rulebook, but decisions feel weighty.

### How many cards are included?
32 strategy cards, each with a historical event and action value.

### Is there a digital version?
Yes! On Steam and Google Play, but the physical map is gorgeous for tabletop drama.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 56.88 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=951596&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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