Strategies for France in Congress of Vienna (Game Opening Considerations)

Introduction by Congress of Vienna (CoV)’s Editor, Fred Schachter – To familiarize the InsideGMT audience of what designer Frank Esparrago accomplished with his fun and exciting Congress of Vienna game, now a GMT P-500 offering which has “Made the Cut” (thank you patrons, thank you so very much!) please reference previous InsideGMT articles covering a wide range of CoV topics.  These contain background which will help you better appreciate this article.  Use the following link to access this material: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-850-congress-of-vienna.aspx.

The CoV play test team, now mostly using VASSAL due to being geographically disparate, have enjoyed many exciting Congress of Vienna games. The team has held many an interesting debate considering how to best play France in Congress of Vienna. This article reflects their most recent musings as described by game designer Frank Esparrago. 

The game rules this article alludes to will unfortunately need to remain implicit: a restriction an article format such as this compels which readers shall hopefully understand. That said, take it away Frank!

Note: If you would like to view any of the below images in a larger size, you can click on the image and it will point you to the full image file.

The Battle of Leipzig in Congress of Vienna (CoV)

Introduction by Congress of Vienna (CoV)’s Editor, Fred Schachter: “ To familiarize the InsideGMT audience of what designer Frank Esparrago accomplished with his fun and exciting Congress of Vienna game, now a GMT P-500 offering which has “Made the Cut” (thank you patrons, thank you so very much!); previous InsideGMT articles presented “Designer’s Notes”, “Game as History: An Historical Introduction to the Congress of Vienna Period (CoV)”, “Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna”, “Congress of Vienna Goes Electric with VASSAL”, and “Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play” which explained how players approached the game (their thoughts and reactions) as well as how the rules and game components come together to facilitate an enjoyable time for all. Parts 4 & 5 of this series, concerning the War Phase, are of particular relevance to best appreciate this Battle of Leipzig piece. Use this link to access copies of the preceding-referenced articles: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-850-congress-of-vienna.aspx . As I was drawn into this fascinating game, there was something I wondered about: how can Congress of Vienna, which is a high level strategy game appealing to both Eurogamers and traditional wargame “grognards” such as myself (and many of our play testers) translate its game terms to explain an historical epic such as the massive and crucial 1813 Battle of Leipzig (and by doing so, demonstrate its simulation mettle)? Well that was a challenge designer Frank Esparrago could not resist! Consequently, here’s his exposition of CoV and the historical Battle of Leipzig. We have indicated in italics some rulebook excerpts and combat cards bullets; other rules will unfortunately need to remain implicit: a restriction an article format such as this compels which readers will hopefully appreciate. That said, take it away Frank! Note: If you would like to view any of the below images in a larger size, you can click on the image and it will point you to the full image file.

Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play – The War Phase II (Part 5 of 5)

Introduction by Congress of Vienna (CoV)’s Editor, Fred Schachter – To familiarize the InsideGMT audience of what designer Frank Esparrago accomplished with his fun and exciting Congress of Vienna game, now a GMT P-500 offering which has “Made the Cut” (thank you patrons, thank you so very much!); previous InsideGMT articles presented “Designer’s Notes”, “Game as History: An Historical Introduction to the Congress of Vienna Period (CoV)”, “Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna”, and “Congress of Vienna Goes Electric with VASSAL”. Now we present an example of how the rules and game components come together in this series entitled “Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play”. Use this link to access copies of the preceding-referenced articles: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-850-congress-of-vienna.aspx .

This series is based on a four player “across the Atlantic” VASSAL game narrated by game designer Frank Esparrago and neutral game observer Enrique Trigueros: two players were in Spain and two located in the USA. These articles will hopefully provide readers insight as to how enjoyable, thought-provoking, and entertaining Congress of Vienna is!

The first episode of this piece took readers through this example turn’s initial set-up with Parts 2 & 3 conveying a recapitulation of the game’s Diplomacy and Government Phases… where much Skype-supported “wheeling and dealing”, imprecations, and the gnashing of teeth with Major Power positioning occurred. Part 4 left the diplomatic element of the game behind and commenced describing preparations for the actual battles to come both in Europe and in North America (War of 1812).

Kindly note the following text and ensuing increments of this article series are, with some editing, eventually intended as content for the game’s Playbook. As such, there will be ready reference to the Rulebook to explain related supporting detail as needed. For now, kindly accept our apologies for having the rules behind this example of play remaining implicit. However, any quotes from the latest rules are indicated by italics.

Note: If you would like to view any of the below images in a larger size, you can click on the image and it will point you to the full image file.

With that, we conclude this narrative of a Congress of Vienna example game turn with its War Phase Part II. This will explain the turn’s battles and when the smoke of warfare settles conclude with calculation of the turn’s Victory Points for each of the Major Powers: France (Jesús), Britain (Jim), Russia and its Prussia Ally (Dick), and the still neutral Austria (Marina). There is a lot of game action to describe, so no more prattling on by me! Take it away Frank and thank you for a most entertaining and informative article series!

Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play – The War Phase I (Part 4 of 5)

Introduction by Congress of Vienna (CoV)’s Editor, Fred Schachter – To familiarize the InsideGMT audience of what designer Frank Esparrago accomplished with his fun and exciting Congress of Vienna game, now a GMT P-500 offering which has “Made the Cut” (thank you patrons, thank you so very much!); previous InsideGMT articles presented “Designer’s Notes”, “Game as History: An Historical Introduction to the Congress of Vienna Period (CoV)”, “Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna”, and “Congress of Vienna Goes Electric with VASSAL”. Now we present an example of how the rules and game components come together in this series entitled “Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play”. Use this link to access copies of the preceding-referenced articles: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-850-congress-of-vienna.aspx .

This series is based on a four player “across the Atlantic” VASSAL game narrated by game designer Frank Esparrago: two players were in Spain and two located in the USA. It will hopefully provide readers insight as to how enjoyable, thought-provoking, and entertaining Congress of Vienna is! The first episode of this piece took readers through this example turn’s initial set-up with Parts 2 & 3 conveying a recapitulation of the game’s Diplomacy and Government Phases… where much Skype-supported “wheeling and dealing”, imprecations, and the gnashing of teeth  with Major Power positioning occurred.

Kindly note the following text and ensuing increments of this article series are, with some editing, eventually intended as content for the game’s Playbook. As such, there will be ready reference to the Rulebook to explain related detail as needed. For now, kindly accept our apologies for having the rules behind this example of play remaining mostly implicit. However, any quotes from the latest rules are indicated by italics.

Note: If you would like to view any of the below images in a larger size, you can click on the image and it will point you to the full image file.

With that, we resume this narrative of a Congress of Vienna example game turn as of its War Phase. This will take the remaining two parts of this five-part series, this first segment to cover preparations for the actual battles to come. Furthermore, to better explain the reasons why players conducted themselves as they did and provide related design notes; we feature remarks along those lines by Enrique Trigueros, our game observer. Hopefully, this new feature, introduced with Part 3 of 5, will be of continued help. There’s a lot of game action to describe, so no more prattling on by me! Take it away Frank!

Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play – The Diplomacy Phase Concluded and Government Phase (Part 3 of 5)

Introduction by Congress of Vienna (CoV)’s Editor, Fred Schachter – To familiarize the InsideGMT audience of what designer Frank Esparrago accomplished with his fun and exciting Congress of Vienna game, now a GMT P-500 offering which has “Made the Cut” (thank you patrons!); previous InsideGMT articles presented “Designer’s Notes”, “Game as History: An Historical Introduction to the Congress of Vienna Period (CoV)”, “Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna”, and “Congress of Vienna Goes Electric with VASSAL”. Now we present an example of how the rules and game components come together in this series entitled “Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play”. Use this link to access copies of the preceding-referenced articles: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-850-congress-of-vienna.aspx .

This series is based on a four player “across the Atlantic” VASSAL game narrated by game designer Frank Esparrago: two players were in Spain and two located in the USA. It will hopefully provide readers insight as to how enjoyable, thought-provoking, and entertaining Congress of Vienna is! The first episode of this piece took readers through this example turn’s initial set-up and Part 2 commenced a recapitulation of this game’s Diplomacy Phase… where much Skype-supported “wheeling and dealing” and Major Power positioning occurred.

Kindly note the following text and ensuing increments of this article series are, with some editing, eventually intended as content for the game’s Playbook. As such, there will be ready reference to the Rulebook to explain related detail as needed. For now, kindly accept our apologies for having the rules behind this example of play remaining mostly implicit. However, any quotes from the latest rules are indicated by italics.

Furthermore, to better explain the reasons why players conducted themselves as they did and provide related design notes; we’ll now feature remarks along those lines by Enrique Trigueros, our game observer. Hopefully, this new feature will be of help.

With that, we resume the narrative of this Congress of Vienna example game turn’s Diplomacy Phase. Take it away Frank!

Note: If you would like to view any of the below images in a larger size, you can click on the image and it will point you to the full image file.

Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play – The Diplomacy Phase (Part 2 of 5)

Introduction by Congress of Vienna (CoV)’s Editor, Fred Schachter – To familiarize the InsideGMT audience of what designer Frank Esparrago created with his fun and exciting Congress of Vienna game, now a GMT P-500 offering which has “Made the Cut” (thank you patrons!); previous InsideGMT articles presented “Designer’s Notes”, “Game as History: An Historical Introduction to the Congress of Vienna Period (CoV)”, “Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna”, and “Congress of Vienna Goes Electric with VASSAL”. Now we present an example of how the rules and game components come together in this series entitled “Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play”. Use this link to access copies of the preceding-referenced articles: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-850-congress-of-vienna.aspx .

This series is based on a four player “across the Atlantic” VASSAL game narrated by game designer Frank Esparrago: two players were in Spain and two located in the USA. It will hopefully provide readers insight into how enjoyable, thought-provoking, and entertaining Congress of Vienna is! The initial episode of this piece took readers through this example turn’s initial set-up.

Please note the following text and ensuing increments of this article series is, with some editing, eventually intended as content for the game’s Playbook. As such, there will be ready reference to the Rulebook to explain related detail as needed. For now, kindly accept our apologies for having the rules behind this example of play remaining implicit.

With that, take it away Frank!

Note: If you would like to view any of the below images in a larger size, you can click on the image and it will point you to the full image file.

Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play – The Initial Phase (Part 1 of 5)

Introduction by Congress of Vienna (CoV)’s Editor, Fred Schachter – To familiarize the InsideGMT audience of what designer Frank Esparrago created with his fun and exciting Congress of Vienna game, now a GMT P-500 offering which has “Made the Cut” (thank you patrons!); previous InsideGMT articles presented “Designer’s Notes”, “Game as History: An Historical Introduction to the Congress of Vienna Period (CoV)”, “Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna”, and “Congress of Vienna Goes Electric with VASSAL”. We here present an example of how the rules and game components come together with this series entitled “Congress of Vienna Detailed Sequence of Play”. Use this link to access copies of the preceding-referenced articles: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-850-congress-of-vienna.aspx .

This series is based on a four player “across the Atlantic” VASSAL game narrated by game designer Frank Esparrago: two players were in Spain and two located in the USA. It will hopefully provide readers insight into how enjoyable, thought-provoking, and entertaining Congress of Vienna is! 

Kindly note the following text and ensuing increments of this series of articles is, with some editing, eventually intended as content for the game’s Playbook.  As such, there will be ready reference to the Rulebook to explain related details as needed. For now, please accept our apologies for having the rules behind this example of play remaining implicit.

With that, take it away Frank!

Note: If you would like to view any of the below images in a larger size, you can click on the image and it will point you to the full image file.

Congress of Vienna Goes Electric with VASSAL!

Introduction by Congress of Vienna (CoV)’s Editor, Fred Schachter – To familiarize the InsideGMT audience of what designer Frank Esparrago created with his fun and exciting Congress of Vienna game, now a GMT P-500 offering; previous InsideGMT articles of “Designer’s Notes”, “Game as History: An Historical Introduction to the Congress of Vienna Period (CoV)” as well as a four part series entitled: “Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna” were published.

Use this link to access copies of these articles: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-850-congress-of-vienna.aspx

Now we present a “walk through”, albeit something of a “teaser”, of how Congress of Vienna has been converted into electronic form, specifically VASSAL, to enable players, without geographic constraint, to have a grand time experiencing all this wonderful game has to offer.

Should this article strike a responsive chord of interest, the CoV Team is seeking additional play testers using the VASSAL medium. If interested in joining this effort, kindly contact game developer Dick Sauer at sauerrj@aol.com to learn more.

For those trying to “fill in the blanks” regarding rules and game play from what this article shares; more Congress of Vienna content is forthcoming! Specifically, an InsideGMT article series providing a detailed example of a game’s set-up and turn’s play (using VASSAL: courtesy of the talented Joel Toppen).

Here is “Congress of Vienna Goes Electric”: starting with “Game Set-Up” of course…

Note: If you would like to view any of the below images in a larger size, you can click on the image and it will point you to the full image file.

Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna – The French Contingent (Part 4 of 4)

Introduction by Congress of Vienna (CoV)’s Editor, Fred Schachter – To familiarize the InsideGMT audience of what designer Frank Esparrago created with his fun and exciting Congress of Vienna game, now a GMT P-500 offering which has “made the cut”; InsideGMT presented articles of “Designer’s Notes” and a “Game as History” series entitled “An Historical Introduction to the Congress of Vienna Period (CoV)”. Use this link to access copies of these articles: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-850-congress-of-vienna.aspx .

Because this is the third game of GMT’s “Great Statesmen” series, it seems appropriate to focus on those very Statesmen who make this Napoleonic Wars historical period so captivating to our hobby from perspective of the game Frank designed.

Consequently, following Part Three’s “Russian Contingent”, here’s the final part of a four part series: “Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna – The French Contingent”.  

I enjoyed learning more of the historical figures behind the game’s cards and hope you do as well. Also, the CoV Team appreciates folks’ feedback, whether within this forum or elsewhere to this InsideGMT series. Now to conclude matters with its final installment by meeting the Great French Statesmen, War Leaders, and other “neutral” personages of Congress of Vienna…

In italics we include a brief description of the cards and their CoV opportunities and weaknesses:

Note: If you would like to view any of the below images in a larger size, you can click on the image and it will point you to the full image file.

Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna – The Russian Contingent (with their Prussian and Swedish Allies) (Part 3 of 4)

Introduction by Congress of Vienna (CoV)’s Editor, Fred Schachter – To familiarize the InsideGMT audience of what designer Frank Esparrago created with his fun and exciting Congress of Vienna game, now a GMT P-500 offering; InsideGMT  presented articles of “Designer’s Notes” and a “Game as History” series entitled “A Historical Introduction to the Congress of Vienna Period (CoV)”.  Use this link to access copies of these articles: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-850-congress-of-vienna.aspx .

Since this is the third game of GMT’s “Great Statesmen” series, it seems appropriate to focus on those very Statesmen who make this Napoleonic Wars historical period so captivating to our hobby from perspective of the game Frank designed.

Consequently, following Part One’s “British Contingent” and Part Two’s “Austrian Contingent”, here’s part three of a four part series: “Meet the Statesmen of Congress of Vienna – The Russian Contingent”. However, the Russian CoV player also controls cards representing Prussian and Swedish game personages and together, what a fascinating group they comprise!

The next and final increment of this series will address the French with their USA Allies for the War of 1812 and other non-aligned personages. 

In italics we include a brief description of the cards with their CoV opportunities and weaknesses. However, before commencing this article’s main text, a quick aside regarding the Leader Card, a type of distinct card unique for each Major Power.  Here’s the relevant Rulebook extract with an associated illustration:

I enjoyed learning more of the personages behind the game’s cards and hope you do as well. Now to meet the Great Statesmen (and military leaders) of Congress of Vienna’s Russian player…

Note: If you would like to view any of the below images in a larger size, you can click on the image and it will point you to the full image file.