Borodino 1812

Borodino 1812 is a Columbia Games block wargame covering Napoleon’s massive battle against the Russian army on 7 September 1812. The French won the field, but the cost was terrible, and the battle became one of the decisive steps toward the destruction of the Grande Armée in Russia.

The game lets players explore the historical battle as well as options not attempted by Napoleon or Kutuzov. The French player has several possible lines of attack, while the Russian player must anticipate where the main blow will fall and use redoubts, reserves and terrain to hold the army together.

Combat is resolved by area rather than hex, with a fast Move-Move-Battle sequence and leader activation to command corps divisions. The interaction of infantry, cavalry and artillery is central to play, including cavalry charges, squares and the struggle for the Russian redoubts.

This is a strong choice for players interested in Napoleonic warfare, Columbia-style block games and tense battlefield manoeuvre with hidden strength and uncertainty.

Contents include: 103 wooden blocks, labels, mapboard, rules, orders of battle and four dice.