1776 (boardgame)

1776, subtitled "The Game of the American Revolutionary War", is a board wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1974 that simulates the American Revolutionary War. Its release was timed to coincide with the bicentenary of the Revolution, and for several years was a bestseller for Avalon Hill.

1776
1st edition box cover
Publication1974 (1974)
Genresstrategy
Players2
Playing time120 minutes

Description

1776 is a two-player wargame that contains elements of both strategy and tactical combat. It contains a campaign game plus four scenarios covering the invasion of Canada, the Saratoga campaign, Greene's Southern campaign, and the Yorktown campaign.[1]

Components

The first edition game box contains:[1]

  • 16" x 44" mounted hex grid map of colonial America from Quebec to Georgia
  • 416 die-cut counters
  • two sets of combat cards and several other player aids
  • 32-page rulebook
  • six-sided die

Publication history

1776 was designed by Randell Reed and published by Avalon Hill in 1974 with artwork by Reed, Scott Moores, and Thomas N. Shaw. With interest in the Revolutionary War heightened by the approaching bicentennial, the game sold well for several years, although sales fell off as interest in the bicentennial waned.[2]

Reception

In Issue 8 of Phoenix, Paul Hirst compared 1776 to The American Revolution: 1775-1783 by Simulations Publications Inc., and concluded, "both games achieve a realistic simulation of the revolutionary war. Both however, are less than complete [...] For simplicity and overall strategic clarity, American Revolution is the winner. For a detailed involved game, with tactical overtones 1776 is superior."[3]

In his 1977 book The Comprehensive Guide to Board Wargaming, Nicholas Palmer also compared 1776 to SPI's The American Revolution: 1775-1783, and noted that in a poll of wargames taken the previous year, 1776 had been considerably more popular than its rival. Palmer also noted that "1776 is certainly very much more complicated [...] A fine game requiring time, enthusiasm and concentration; definitely not for beginners." Palmer concluded that the game was unbalanced in favor of the British, saying, "if the players find the British winning too often, they should adjust the rules to cut down such unhistorical delights."[4]

Other recognition

A copy of 1776 is held in the collection of the Strong National Museum of Play (object 112.6185).[5]

Other reviews and commentary

References
  1. "1776". Boardgame Geek. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  2. The Avalon Hill Game Co General Index and Company History, 1952-1980. Avalon Hill. 1980.
  3. Hirst, Paul (July–August 1977). "The American Revolution/1776: Comparitive Evaluation". Phoenix. No. 18. pp. 6–8.
  4. Palmer, Nicholas (1977). The Comprehensive Guide to Board Wargaming. London: Sphere Books. p. 172.
  5. "Board game:1776:The Game of the American Revolutionary War". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2022-04-06.


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