Strategy & Tactics Issue #238
Marlborough: War of the Spanish Succession
("Marby," for short), is a wargame of intermediate-to-high complexity,
designed by Joseph Miranda, simulating that critical conflict of the
early 18th century. The dynastic struggle began when France's Louis XIV
attempted to place his grandson, Philip IV, on the throne of Spain. The
other major powers saw that as a threat, and so supported their own
candidate, Charles III. That in turn began over a decade of fighting
that grew into a general struggle for domination over all of western
Europe.
Marby is a two player game. One controls the forces of
France and its allies, known as the Bourbon coalition, after the ruling
house of France. The other player controls the forces opposing France,
led by England and Austria and known as the Grand Alliance. Each player
has a variety of military, diplomatic and economic instruments with
which he can attempt to win the game by controlling states and economic
centers.
The game includes several scenarios. Shorter
scenarios represent critical parts of the war, while the "Grand Design"
scenario covers the entire war. Certain rules are designated
"optional," and the players don't have to use them. The optional rules
are suggested for use only when playing the Grand Design scenario, as
they add considerable complexity, historical detail and playing time.
The
34x22" large-hex map shows western and central Europe during the early
18th century. The grid of hexagons printed over the map provides
locations for playing pieces and geographic features. During the game,
the cardboard pieces are placed within individual hexes.
Each
game turn represents one year; each hex scales to 50 miles. Each army
represents 10,000 to 20,000 soldiers and support personnel, camp
followers, etc. A leader represents that person plus his guards,
entourage, lackeys, wine cellars, etc. A fleet represents 60 warships
and an indeterminate number of transports. The rules run to some 17,000
words, making for play sessions lasting from four to 12 hours.
Articles this issue:
History of the USAAF in Europe
Asante War
Conquest of Florida