Cover of the game La Bataille d'Auerstædt

La Bataille d'Auerstædt

AGEMA, Clash of Arms Games, Marshal Enterprises · Board game · 1977
Ludopedia
— Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
7.7 BoardGameGeek
Players
2 · best 2, 2+
Play Time
330–480 min
Weight
Weight 3.9/5
Year
Year 1977
Minimum age
Minimum age 12+
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

La Bataille d'Auerstædt is a feast for historical wargame enthusiasts who are not intimidated by complexity. The experience is dense, focused on tactical fidelity, and requires a significant time commitment to be fully appreciated. It is a classic that still holds its value for its precision in simulating Napoleonic combat.

Highlights
  • Extremely detailed historical simulation
  • Strategic depth for veterans
  • Fidelity to Napoleonic maneuvers
  • Excellent for solo tactical study
Keep in mind
  • Very steep learning curve
  • Very long playtime
  • Complex and dense rules
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you are a fan of military history looking for a deep simulation, La Bataille d'Auerstædt is an absolute classic. The game recreates the epic clash of October 14, 1806, putting you in command of Davout's III Corps or the Prussian army of Friedrich Wilhelm III. It is a heavy wargame designed for those who enjoy analyzing every detail of the battlefield.

Featuring a detailed map and hundreds of pieces representing regiments and brigades, the game demands patience and strategic vision. The rules are robust and focused on historical accuracy, covering everything you would expect from a Napoleonic conflict: movement points, zones of control, and classic combat based on ratio tables. It is the kind of experience that consumes an entire afternoon but rewards the player with a level of tactical immersion hard to find in modern titles.

It is worth noting that the game has seen several editions over the years, from the original Marshal Enterprises release to the Clash of Arms versions. Depending on the edition, you will find variations in counter thickness, map adjustments, and slight changes to the Order of Battle. Regardless of the version, the game's DNA remains the same: a dense challenge that, while playable solo for study, truly shines in a direct duel between two dedicated strategists. If you want to understand how logistics and positioning decided battles in the 19th century, this is your game.

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Cities: Auerstaedt (Thuringia, Germany) Country: Germany History: Napoleonic Wars Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: La Bataille (Marshal Enterprises / Clash of Arms Games)
Publisher AGEMA, Clash of Arms Games, Marshal Enterprises
Designer Dennis A. Spors, Ed Wimble, Monte Mattson
Artist Rick Barber

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

642owners
55wishlist
14want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game take?
Be prepared for a long session, typically between 5 and 8 hours.
Is this game for beginners?
No. With a BGG weight near 4.0, it is recommended for those already experienced with complex wargames.
Can it be played solo?
Yes, many enthusiasts use the game for tactical and historical study in solo mode.
How many players are required?
The game is designed specifically for two players.
What are the main differences between editions?
Differences range from counter thickness and map adjustments to variations in the Order of Battle between Marshal Enterprises and Clash of Arms versions.
Does the game use dice?
Yes, dice rolling is essential for resolving combat based on ratio tables.

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