Four Lost Battles

Four Lost Battles is an Operational Studies Group wargame covering four major battles from Napoleon’s Autumn Campaign of 1813: Grossbeeren, Katzbach, Kulm, and Dennewitz.

This updated edition revisits the 2005 release with new maps and counters. The campaign follows the difficult strategic situation after the Battle of Dresden, as French forces tried to regain control of the initiative while Coalition armies pressed on multiple fronts. Each battle presents a distinct operational problem, from meeting engagements and difficult marches to mountain passes, weather, command pressure, and collapsing opportunities.

As part of OSG’s The Library of Napoleonic Battles system, Four Lost Battles emphasizes command decisions, maneuver, historical geography, and the friction of Napoleonic campaigning. It is a strong fit for players interested in the 1813 campaign and in the lesser-covered battles that shaped Napoleon’s deteriorating position in Germany.

Requires / note: this game uses the two TLNB Universal Card Decks — French and Coalition. These decks are not included; if you do not already own them from another compatible OSG title, they can be ordered separately.

Contents include: game box, four 22" x 17" maps, 560 die-cut counters, two booklets covering the system rules and study folder, 18 player aid cards, and 5 resource cards.

Boardgamegeneral Advice

Four Lost Battles is an outstanding choice for players who enjoy exploring pivotal “what-if” moments from Napoleonic history. By focusing on four lesser-known but strategically important battles, it offers variety, replayability, and deep operational decision-making in a more compact format than larger campaign titles. Ideal for experienced wargamers who appreciate historical nuance and want multiple challenging scenarios in one box.