# Lee vs. Grant: The Wilderness Campaign of 1864

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1988
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: #6814
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 120-360 min
- **Weight**: 3.07 / 5
- **Designers**: Joseph M. Balkoski
- **Artists**: Rosaria Baldari, Ted Koller
- **Publishers**: Victory Games (I)
- **Categories**: American Civil War, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Hexagon Grid, Simulation

## Verdict
Lee vs. Grant is a perfect fit for historical wargame fans looking to dive deep into the strategy of the American Civil War. The progression between basic and advanced modes allows you to learn maneuvers at your own pace, making the experience very satisfying. It is a dense game that requires time and dedication, but rewards you with a faithful and tense simulation. If you are looking for a heavy tactical duel, this classic is a must-have for your collection.Extremely faithful historical simulationIntuitive rule progressionDetailed and immersive mapHigh replayability across scenariosRequires significant table timeSteep learning curve for beginnersRetro-style componentsFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
If you are a fan of military history and want to feel the weight of the 1864 Wilderness Campaign, Lee vs. Grant is a masterclass in tabletop strategy. This game transports you straight to the heart of the American Civil War, focusing on the decisive clash between Union and Confederate forces in Virginia. The map, a detailed 1:200,000 representation of the area between Fredericksburg and Petersburg, uses a classic hexagonal grid to dictate troop movement. Each turn represents five days of the campaign, and each strength point in your units represents approximately 2,500 soldiers under a leader's command. It is the type of game that demands planning, as you must manage unit positioning and activation with surgical care.

The design is smart by offering two levels of depth. If you are new to the genre, the 'Basic Game' introduces fundamental concepts of movement and activation without overwhelming you. If you are a wargame veteran, the 'Advanced Game' raises the stakes by introducing supply rules, sea movement, and more complex mechanics for leaders. Victory conditions vary based on the chosen scenario, ensuring plenty of replayability. It is worth noting that this title is considered by many to be the spiritual precursor to the renowned GCACW (Great Campaigns of the American Civil War) series, even though it has its own visual identity and specific rules. It is an absolute classic for those who enjoy dense historical simulations and want to understand how Lee and Grant moved their pieces during one of the most tense moments of the American conflict. Prepare for a long, intense game that is, above all, highly rewarding for those who enjoy seeing history unfold on the map.

## FAQ
### How long does a game take?
Prepare for a long session! The game lasts between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the scenario and the players' experience.

### Is it a game for beginners?
The basic mode is accessible, but as a wargame with a weight of 3.0+, it requires patience and interest in the historical theme.

### How many players can play?
It is a duel exclusively for 2 players, one controlling the Union and the other the Confederacy.

### What's in the box?
The game includes a map of Virginia, military unit counters, rulebooks (basic and advanced), and reference charts.

### Do I need to know the GCACW series to play?
No! Although it shares the same strategic DNA, Lee vs. Grant works perfectly as a standalone game.

### Is the game very complex?
The activation and supply system in the advanced mode adds layers of realism that can be challenging, but very rewarding.