After playing two scenarios to learn the rules and get comfortable (I’m still not totally comfortable yet), I decided to take on the full 5 year campaign, playing solo two-handed. That is how I usually play and this game does well in that regard. For British, I only picked one card each AR round; for the French – I used the game mechanic of Reserve Card / Pick new card; and the one Indian Card.
Please note for those not familiar with the game, Native Americans and Indigenous Americans are referred to as Indian in the rules etc. I will continue to use that nomenclature for the AAR.
Here is the end of 1755 map, prior to the Winter Quarters adjustments.
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The Build Up phase was uneventful as both the French and British supported existing positions. Both factions looked north as both Nova Scotia and Acadie saw troops arrive during the Logistics Rounds (Fleets Arrive and Colonials Enlist). The French supported Montreal and Quebec in fear of the inevitable onslaught. The New England region was relatively quiet as the British controlled the port colonies. In the South, the French controlled Indians seemed eager to Raid.
During the AR’s and Reinforcement phases, the French and the French Indians were Raid happy and scored a VP for gaining 8 Raid points. The British seemed more interested in territory and controlling the Canadian colonies and provinces. Battles were fought in Nova Scotia (Annapolis and Halifax) and in the border colonies of Chignectou of Acadie and control went back and forth. Despite smaller numbers, the French Commanders (through Commander re-rolls) helped turn several battles. By the end of the year, the French took control of Annapolis Royal. The final battles of the year were in Montreal and Baye de Catarcoun, as the British made a mad dash to try and capture the end-of-year VP’s. Again, the French held firm and the Brits were forced to retreat.
With reinforcements coming for both sides, 1756 will be much bloodier.
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End of 1756
The British acted quickly in anticipation of reinforcements. They seized upon a unguarded Chignectou in Acadie and occupied that area. Then they turned their sites to Ticonderoga, which was guarded by a French Fort. The French rose to the occasion and turned back the Brits two times, even decimating the 50th and 51st Brigades (reduced, not eliminated).
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End of 1757
The British took full advantage of their greater numbers during this year’s action. They marched west and finally took Ticonderoga and kept moving, scoring a huge victory by taking Montreal and Baye du Cataracou. However, the French were able to recover somewhat, and surround Baye, thus cutting off supply for the British there. Time will tell if the OOS penalty costs the Brits.
Through Diplomatic relations, the Cherokee came on board with the British and quickly joined the battle. One Cherokee unit attempted to take lightly guarded Les Illinois, but was cut down and eliminated in the battle.
Much of the heavy action centered in Acadie – in Chignectou and Miramichay. The British occupied Chignetou and landed more forces there during the Build Up and Fleets Arrive phases and then proceeded to build a road to Miramichay. The French were unable to respond quick enough and a huge battle took place in which both sides suffered significant hits, but the British prevailed and chased the French back to Pointe St. Anne.
1758 - and the END
Additional British reinforcements arrive by sea and by recruiting British Colonials; far in excess of the troops sent by the French. The Indians continue to support the French, including the Iroquois Confederacy – and continue to perform annoying raids on the British outposts (8 Raid points = 1 VP).
The British build a road from Chignectou to Miramichay and use it to take Acadie area from the French (and swing 1 VP). However, they leave the back door open, and the French respond by taking back Chignectou (another 1VP swing).
The British are able to negotiate with the Cherokee, who had remained Neutral until this point, and the Cherokee Indian Units enter the battle, and provide raid opportunities for the British in the south.
As the year wore on, the British continued to advance West and take control of more French home areas, as shown on the photo. The French remained on the defensive as Acadie remained the most active area. The British continued control of Miramichay; and used that as the launchpoint for the attack on Pointe de Joye. Although the French had constructed a road from Louisbourg, they were unable to marshall enough forces to hold off the Brits.
As the year came to a close, the Brits scored +2 VP for holding 2+ French Home Colonies; and 1 VP for a favorable War in Europe score (chits pulled when a Metropolitan Brigade is eliminated). That satisfied the Victory Conditions, and the French were forced to surrender, ending the campaign before the 1759 year turns.
Lessons Learned:
French: the French were too aggressive early on and attempted to gain control of British Home Colonies instead of building defenses (and forts) in their own colonies. The Indians affiliated with the French did a solid job of raiding the Brits, but were not available when needed for battle. Even without losing control of Louisbourg and opening the seas to the Brits, they still got hammered in 1758.