1870 was published in 2001 specifically to accommodate the many
large-scale engagements of the Franco-Prussian War, from a few divisions
to several corps per side. The intention was to enable gamers to
recreate very large battles without getting bogged down in extraneous
details more appropriate for regimental-size skirmishes. Indeed,
the normal command per player in most games is a corps or two: two to six
infantry divisions. Morale and fire modifiers, multiple movement
and fire opportunities, and national or troop type nuances have therefore
been kept to a minimum in the interest of finishing a reasonably faithful
approximation of a large historical battle in an afternoon. A
half-scale variant of the basic rules enables smaller engagements to be
fought simply by doubling the number of stands per unit.
Designed for fast-paced, accurate resolution of battles: several divisions to
multiple corps per side.
Options have been kept to a minimum in the interests of completing a reasonably
faithful recreation of a large battle in an afternoon.
Easy five-phase play sequence; simple, effective command and control system;
rapid combat resolution (three tables).
Armies compatible with rulebooks for 1859/1864
(Franco-Austrian, & Danish Wars) & 1866
(Austro-Prussian War).
Entire game played from one 4-sided “Cheat Sheet”.
Suitable for 6mm, 10mm, and 15mm basing systems; 1 inch = 100m; 1 turn = 30 minutes.
Covers both Imperial and Republican phases of the war.
Includes 14 historical battle scenarios, each with alternative “what if” scenarios.
Extensive historical notes, military chronology, and complete Orders of Battle
for the entire war.
Annotated Bibliography of over 70 entries.
As with the other Grand Tactical Rules booklets, for which 1870 was the model,
the rules abound with illustrations and contemporary quotes which serve to
explain and exemplify the rules themselves. Typical pages of the rules
section are well-illustrated with examples of play, formation diagrams, and
game board photographs. A multitude of diagrams also helps the gamer
understand the nuances of formations, maneuvers, and tactics.
As much a source book as a rule set, the extensive historical notes, military
chronology, annotated bibliography and detailed orders of battle for the entire
course of the war provide ample reference material for custom designing
additional campaigns or battles. A four-page cardstock “cheat sheet”
neatly summarizes everything gamers need to have to run a game, without having
to refer to the rules booklet.
Fourteen historical scenarios cover both the Imperial and Republican phases of the
war (seven each), and feature detailed maps and complete orders of battle.
Each scenario also includes "what if" variants positing historically plausible
alternative missions or forces intended to balance the historical scenario or
experiment with different tactical possibilities.
A formation guide helps define the typical 19th century formations used in the rules,
summarizing their attributes and limitations. The booklet even includes a brief
tutorial on gameboard-making techniques useful for constructing 6mm terrain boards.
Copious illustrations from period sources have been chosen to impart the feel of the
actual battles. This painting by Speyer shows the 3rd Guard retaking Le Bourget.
The many photos of actual game boards illustrate how play may progress. Here,
a German brigade assaults a French brigade defending an Alsatian town, in 15mm.
