InStock? NO

Login or Join to create/use a wish list

Clash of Monarchs lets 2-4 players recreate the titanic struggle that raged across Europe and the world, pitting Frederick the Great's Prussia and its British allies against Maria Theresa's Coalition of Austrian, French, Russian, Saxon, Swedish, and Holy Roman Empire forces. Each player directs the effort of one or more of the major powers, plus their minor allies, using the point-to-point movement, and Card Driven Game systems of many of GMT Games' most highly-regarded designs. The cards help players enact Frederick's pre-war invasion planning, the operational ascendancy of Prussian and Hanoverian light troops, formation of the Austrian General Staff, huge financial loans, court intrigue at Versailles, Vienna, and St. Petersburg, and dozens of other key political, economic, and military events. CoM also uses split decks, which foster play of each power's events in two phases - Early War (usually through mid-1758, and Wider War (1758 to conclusion) - and allow a multi-player game to use exactly the same rules as a 2-player contest.

CoM augments the CDG system with a Colonial Conflict sub-game, a fully-integrated treatment of light unit operations, and a Fortunes of War chit pull, which varies the occurence and/or timing of events beyond players' control - severe weather, desertion, attrition, possible deaths of English King George II, Empress Elizabeth of Russia, et al, and Madame Pompadour's political influence over the French commanders, to add further uncertainty and drama to the campaigns.

Card events are important, but players' fates rest squarely on their operations in the field, using rich battle and siege sub-systems. The armies are colourfully articulated, with line infantry strength points, and distinct line and light cavalry, field and siege artillery, and light infantry units. Over 50 leaders are rated for initiative, movement, and offensive/defensive skills, and their willingness to drive their armies to endure horrendous combat losses. Forces clash in battles that are influenced by commanders' abilities, artillery strength, cavalry superiority, entrenchments, fortifications, supply state, and over 60 Tactics chits, historically suited to each power and war phase. Measured and commanders, and often severe losses when determined commanders like Frederick, Marshal Daun, or Marshal Saltikov face off. Sieges account for fortress class, siege artilleries, defensive commander, besiegers' supply status, and the lurking opportunities for quick Coup attempts The British and French players must also contend with each other overseas on the Colonial Conflict Track, where success abroad can have significant effects on the enemy's treasury, will to fight, and ultimately Victory Points.

Clash of Monarchs is, arguably, the most comprehensive board game of the Seven Years War in Europe yet, but an entire campaign game can be played in 16-18 hours - half the time or less than any of its predecessors. Players can jump into the war at three start points (1756, 1757, 1759), with scenario play times ranging from 1 hour for the 1756 learning scenario, 2-3 hours for 1757, and 6 hours for 2 year scenarios (1756-58, 1757-59). CoM delivers an accurate historical feel for Seven Years War military operations and their political/economic drivers, while offering great game challenges and fun for 2-4 players.

Contents:
* Three full-colour countersheets
* 110 Playing Cards
* One 22x34 inch mapsheet
* Five Player Aid Cards
* Rules Booklet
* Play Booklet
* Two 6-sided dice
* Four Power Displays

Reviews Review Game There is no review for this game at the moment why not be the first to review it (you never know you might win a prize)?

Board Game Geek Link for more Reviews