From: RGS48@aol.com Subject: Re: Blue vs Gray Since somebody asked about this a week or so ago, I finally got a chance to try this puppy out, thanks to the good folk at QED. Although most of what I have read about the game is good, i wasn't quite ready for what I got. Folks, although this game utilizes cards, this is, in no sense of the word, a card game bit a full-fledged wargame. The guys from QED made an appearance at our game club (JAG in New Jersey) to show off the game. frankly, I figured we would get three or four players, max. After watching a bit, there were at least five games going on and several other folks bought copies as well. So it isn't just me. Basically, the game bears a superficial resemblance to FOR THE PEOPLE, in that it covers the Civil War on a strategic level. The map (Yes, there is an actual map), generals, divisions (Confederate), Corps (Union), and special events are ech represented by an individual card. The game starts with four (specific) cards, representing the map, layed out on the table. The map grows from there via card play (Interestingly, both sides have their own map cards of the same area but those cards differ, depending upon who plays the map section card first) For instance, if the Union plays the map section with Nashville on it, that city may not be fortified; if the Confederate plays his card, it will be fortified. This, in itself, gives the game variability and replayabilty since the maps will almost never repeat. (In the five games we had going, no one map was identical). The map is further divided between Eastern and Western theaters, with limited movement ability between theaters. Each turn, the players are given Supply points which they can use to purchase new cards (one per SP), launch attacks, refit damaged units, brings units/commanders back from the cadre pile, etc. Since supply points are limited, players will most-often find themselves with more things to do than the resources to do them with. The basic movement system is akin to point-to- point with forces being deployed anywhere within the theatre (but they can only do once per turn, which allows for feints and diversions). The combat system is command driven, meaning players can only commit forces that are in command. Combat is a fairly simple system that has a surprising amount of variability and depth since there is a lot of bluff and counter-bluff. For instance, one battle involved two armies led by Wm Sherman against a large army led by Joseph Johnston. The resultant combat ended up involving only two divisions. This was not system driven but resulted solely from the decisions of the players involved! Combat results are basically Attacker/Defender Rout, Attacker/Defender Victory, General's Battle, and Soldiers' Battle. The last two are dependent on the Commanding General's combat rating (the former) or relative difference in combat strengths (Soldier's) to determine victory with stalemate a possibility. Loss levels are determined by the level of victory and/or the number of divisions/corps in the battle. There are leader losses and host of other nasty little surprises that can ruin/make your day. Once learned, the game can probably be played to completion in about three hours but they will be fun-filled and action packed. The production values are excellent, whcih is good because this game will probably be played a lot. The only negative is that the rules are printed on cards, which the designer (Evan Jones) admitted was not the best decision he made. But its about the only mistake he made. Besides, you can get a set of rules on the QED website (see below). You can get a sample view of the cards and rules at the QED website. Click here to see more. I know a lot of you guys are down on card games but you will really be missing out if you dismiss this as "just another card game." There is a very clever game/simulation here and it is obvious that a lot of esearch has gone into this effort. For $17, you can't go wrong. There has been a lot of discussion, here and on Consimworld, about the so-called "Death of the hobby." Well, here's a new guy on the block who has brought forth a product worthy of your attention; they deserve your support (not just because they are new but because they game is terrific). In case you missed it, I highly recommend this game. RGS