A House Divided: War Between the States 1861-65
- Designer Frank Chadwick , Alan Emrich
- Publisher Diseños Orbitales , Game Designers' Workshop (GDW Games) , Mayfair Games , Phalanx Games B.V.
- Illustration Paul Richard "Rich" Banner , Frank Chadwick , Rich Hasenauer , Jason Just , Jason Juta , William H. Keith, Jr.
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
You lead one of the two nations in a four-year war from 1861 to 1865. The map shows the USA with cities and key transport routes like rivers, roads, and railroads. You make strategic decisions, move troops point-to-point, and resolve combat with dice rolls. The goal is to keep the Union intact or force the South's separation.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets strategic players aged 12 and up who enjoy complex, lengthy wargames. With about 240 minutes playing time, it suits experienced players interested in historical conflict simulations rather than casual gamers.
How It Works
The game uses Dice Rolling for combat and randomness, Movement Points and Point to Point Movement for troop maneuvers across the map. Each player commands a nation and moves units along connected locations, simulating the Civil War from the first battle to surrender.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Frank Chadwick and Alan Emrich, A House Divided won the 1981 Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Pre-Twentieth Century Game. It is part of Mayfair Games' American Civil War series, known for its historical accuracy and mix of simulation with tactical dice use.
Awards
2002
- 1989 Charles S. Roberts Best Pre-World War II Board Game — Nominated
- 1981 Charles S. Roberts Best Pre-Twentieth Century Game — Winner
Pro
- Historically accurate American Civil War simulation
- Strategic depth via Movement Points and Point to Point Movement
- Charles S. Roberts Award winner 1981
- Designed exclusively for two players
Contra
- Long playtime around 240 minutes
- Only for two players
- Complex rules require prior experience
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game centers on the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, focusing on the conflict between North and South. The map shows the United States with important cities and transport routes of that era.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand the rules thoroughly and focus on strategic movement along transport routes.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, A House Divided is designed exclusively for two players.
How long does a game really take?
A game takes about 240 minutes, including setup.
What prior experience do I need?
It is aimed at experienced players interested in complex wargames and historical simulations.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines historical simulation with tactical dice combat and point-to-point movement focused on the American Civil War.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced players than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Dice Rolling, Movement Points, and Point to Point Movement shapes its strategic depth.
Fazit
A House Divided is recommended for two players interested in strategic historical wargames, though its length and complexity require patience and experience.
