Battle of White Plains

Battle of White Plains

Most authors confine the Battle of White Plains to a short paragraph when recounting the New York Campaign of 1776. As the last field battle of that campaign, however, it deserves closer study. Volume 10 of GMT's award-winning Battles of the American Revolution series by designer Mark Miklos provides such a necessary analysis.

The game includes three scenarios: the historical fight for Chatterton Hill, an October 31 scenario that explores what might have happened if Howe had continued his major attack that day as planned, and a full four-day campaign game covering 42 game turns, beginning with the arrival of the British army on the battlefield the morning of October 28 and culminating at 5:00 p.m. on October 31.

Each player has 26 Opportunity Cards divided into three decks to enhance the game and add elements of variability and historical flavor. As in previous games in the series, some special rules represent the unique conditions of this battle. Among these are the rules that govern the American expenditure restrictions and tactical doctrine, rainy game turns, the restoration of army morale, scorched earth and additional penalties for the American militia, the construction of American fieldworks and an off-map mechanism for Tarrytown on the Hudson River, seven miles away where the British ships are anchored. Even Washington's own fighting abilities at this early stage of the war are random.

In volume 10 of the Battles of the American Revolution series, players command two titanic armies: Washington, desperate to save something of the otherwise disastrous defense of New York, and Howe, seeking a coup against the 'Old Fox'. You must manage your forces over four days while facing many adverse weather conditions. Can you, as General Howe, penetrate the American line to deliver a decisive blow and end the rebellion? Can you, as General Washington, hold your position on higher ground, as you will be opposed by about 6,700 militia of dubious quality – a full 46% of the total American force?

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