Battle of Saratoga 1777 AD, The

Many people mistakenly believe “Cinco de Mayo” is “Mexican Independence Day.” (That event is actually September 16.)

No, “Cinco de Mayo” celebrates the surprising victory of the Mexicans over the French invaders at the Battle of Puebla. Surprising, and the first sign—the first ray of hope—that the Mexicans could actually win.

By that standard, the U.S. should celebrate October 17 as “Saratoga Day.” For of all the battles in the American Revolution, this campaign was the one that really gave the Patriots a belief that they could win—and convinced the outside world (starting with France) that the rebels were worth supporting. Take away the victory at Saratoga, and we can only wonder how much more time would have passed before the French alliance happened…if ever.

Now you can explore the two main battles of Saratoga, both Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights, as a growing storm of colonial militia and regulars, commanded by Gates but really led by Arnold, turned “Gentleman Johnny’s” adventure into a disaster.

Rob Markham’s design gives life to the combatants, as players wrestle with command-control, fog-of-war, and troop quality ratings that mean a larger force may actually be weaker.

Can you, as the British, salvage the campaign and avoid turning the rebellion into a world war? Can you, as the Americans, motivate “Granny Gates” into actually putting all his troops into action and creating the great victory that might have given him what he wanted (to replace Washington!)? The choices are yours, as you decide whether October 17 becomes an American or a British holiday.

The Battle of Saratoga contains:

One 11” by 17” mounted map sheet

One set of 200 die cut mounted counters

One 8 page rulebook

Two Six-Sided Dice