Brandywine 1777 – A Time for Heroes

Game Info:

Designer: Yves Roig

Developer: Andy Loakes

Graphic Artists: Clément Seurat, « Wauwine » Laurine Roig

Hist. period: American War of Independence

Game length: 90 minutes

Players: 1 - 2 players

Age: 14+

Complexity: 4 / 10

Solitaire: yes 9 / 10

Game Components:

• 840 by 600 mm double-layered mounted map
• 72 wooden playing pieces, the majority of which are customized, silk printed.
• 4 double-layered faction sheets
• Two card sets with 51 card each (one set in English, one set in French)
• 55 cardboard counters wooden storage boards
• 9 dice
• 2 rules manuals (one English, one French)

In Brandywine 1777, you assume the role of George Washington, facing a bold and elusive enemy. Activation Cards are your principal tool —used to commit your forces at just the right moment… if you can anticipate the British plan.

But it’s never that simple. Each card lists several potential formations—some real, some misleading—and you’ll never have enough activations to do everything you need to do. Choose wisely, bluff cleverly, and stay one step ahead.

You’ll be balancing:

• Major activations – few in number, but vital,
• Minor activations – flexible but limited,
• And Bonus activations, which cost precious cohesion but can turn the tide when used effectively.

As the American player, you’re under constant pressure, reacting to shifting threats and trying to keep the enemy guessing.

One key tactical edge for Washington: you can temporarily discard a card, placing it in reserve to play it later when the timing is right. This gives you the ability to set a trap, conceal your intentions, or buy precious time.

Each turn is a high-stakes gamble:

• Act too soon, and you risk overcommitting.
• Wait too long, and the enemy breaks through.

Your cards are your orders. Your timing is everything.

Will you play your cards right and save the Revolution—or lose it on a single misstep?

British Gameplay : It’s All About Timing…

Your forces do not start on the field but arrive in columns, at a pace controlled by the player. Each Activation Card allows you to bring in one or more columns or to activate formations already deployed.

But beware: rushing in too early may leave your forces exposed and isolated—while waiting too long risks letting Washington seize the initiative. The art of British command lies in linking Activation Cards cleverly, balancing movement, deployment, maneuvers… and battlefield pressure!

Your challenge: when to break through, when to pin down the enemy… and above all, when to strike hard?