Campaigns of Marlborough (1987)

This army-level strategic game, first published in The Wargamer Magazine (#61), is a simulation of the battles of The War of the Spanish Succession, 1702-1714.

One player takes command of the French; the other player plays the Allied forces (British, Dutch, Austrians, etc.). Combat usually results in a percentage loss of units from both sides, a demoralization of from 1 to 6 turns, or both.

Nine scenarios and one Campaign game cover major battles such as Blenheim, Moselle, Landau, or the complete War. Victory is dependent on the scenario being played, but in most instances it is based on points gained through capturing and eliminating opponent's units, capturing supply trains, and occupying cities and fortresses.

This army-level strategic game is a simulation of the battles of The War of the Spanish Succession, 1702-1714. As the 17th century drew to a close, all eyes in Europe were trained on the sickly, imbecile, and above all, childless, King Charles II of Spain. Who would succeed him upon his death? The first of the main candidates were Louis XIV of France (Le Roi Soliel), grandson of one King of Spain and son-in-law of another. Secondly, the Emperor Leopold of Austria, also, curiously, the grandson of one King of Spain and son-in-law of another (via different daughters). The third, and junior power block, was comprised of England (under William III), and Holland, both of whom had a genuine interest in maintaining the balance of power. The campaigning covered three main areas; Spain itself, Italy, and the Netherlands, where the heaviest fighting occurred. Perhaps the most far-reaching event was the capture of Gibraltar by a British seaborne landing in 1704, which they've held on to ever since, with incalculable benefit. Siege warfare and fortification architecture was also elevated to new heights during this period.

The main game article is titled; Over the Hills and Far Away: Marlbourough's Campaigns 1702-1711, which covers the causes of the war and descriptions of the major battles including Blenheim in 1704 and several others plus the siege of Lille in 1708. Other articles in the mag include reviews of War to End All Wars, Antietam, Chickamauga, and Conflict in Vietnam, briefings on Pleasant Hill, The War Machine, and Ancients, plus errata for issue #60.