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Napoleon at the Berezina

	Author: Greg Borisko Article Type: Board Game Review Publication Date: 11/11/2003 Developer: Robert Markham, Robert Markham, Steve Rawling Publisher: Against the Odds Related Categories: Turn-based, Strategic, Napoleonics

Introduction

Napoleon's retreat from Moscow and Russia late in 1812 is one of the best known disasters in military history. Entering Russia with a force of some 600,000 men, Napoleon seemed well prepared to conquer the vast empire. However, the Russian tactic of retreating before battle could be joined drew the French and allied armies further into the depths of Russia. When battle was finally joined at Borodino, the results were inconclusive. After the battle, the Russians resumed the retreat, even burning Moscow before Napoleon's armies occupied it. Believing that occupying Moscow would lead to an offer of favorable peace terms from the Tsar, Napoleon lingered in the city well into the autumn. By the time he realized that no peace offer would come and with the dreaded Russian winter looming, Napoleon had lost the initiative. His blunders were magnified by following the route that he used when advancing into Russia for his withdrawal, which had been stripped bare of supplies by both his and the Russian armies,. The crisis reached a head at the Berezina River. Hemmed in on three sides by Russian armies and with no bridge to cross, the Grande Armee was in danger of being destroyed. The stage is set for Napoleon at the Berezina, a solitaire game included in the fourth issue of Against the Odds magazine.

Game Components and Extras

As with the previous games in Against the Odds Magazine, the production values are quite good. The magazine includes the game components: a 12 page rulebook, a 22"x34" map of the battlefield, 200 counters and a double-sided 8 ½" x11" players aid card. If I have one complaint, it lies in the use of outlined infantrymen or cavalrymen to define the predominant type of infantry or cavalry combatant within a division (i.e. line infantry, Legeres/Jaegers, etc). I found the outlines to be almost too similar to distinguish between without close inspection, though this might be more a case of deteriorating eyesight.

The articles included in this issue, both those supporting the game and on other topics, are first rate. Particularly interesting was the article on the cost, use, and eventual expansion of the Guard units within Napoleon's Grand Armee. There is also an informative article about Field Marshal Walther Model and his career with the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. The article is well footnoted increasing its value to anyone wishing to learn more from the detailed studies referred to.

Game Scale

Each hex represents about 475 yards and a full game turn is four hours of time. The game starts on November 25, 1812 and continues over 25 turns to November 29. The standard infantry unit is the division, although most French units are well below strength. Artillery units are batteries while cavalry unit size varies depending on the unit in question. As stated in the design notes, an accurate determination the strength of units was almost impossible to do, especially when the decimated state of French units at the time of the battle is considered.

Rule Set

The rule set is a quick and easy read at only 12 pages. They are also mostly clear though in places examples of play might have helped to clarify a rule. Once in use though, the game progressed well with little need to consult the rules.