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A Most Fearful Sacrifice: The Three Days of Gettysburg (2nd Edition) is a large-scale American Civil War wargame that recreates the entire Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most significant engagements of the war. Using the acclaimed Black Swan system, the game delivers a detailed yet accessible simulation of the three-day battle while keeping rules streamlined and gameplay engaging.
Beginning on the morning of 1 July 1863, players command Union and Confederate forces as they fight for control of the fields, ridges, roads, and towns around Gettysburg. Designed to capture both the tactical and operational challenges faced by commanders, the game emphasizes uncertainty, changing battlefield conditions, and the difficult decisions that shaped the outcome of the battle.
This game includes:
Revised Rulebook
Revised Scenario Book featuring 15 scenarios, including single-map and two-map battles plus the "Reynolds Lives!" variant
2 large game maps (approximately 31" x 40" each)
4 counter sheets containing 352 large combat counters
1 administrative marker sheet with 176 counters
90 poker-sized playing cards
2 player aid cards (11" x 17")
1 scenario setup guide
1 clarification card
3 command displays
6 dice (2 red, 2 black, 2 white)
Key features:
Covers all three days of the Battle of Gettysburg
Uses the Black Swan command and activation system
Emphasises fog of war, battlefield friction, and unexpected events
15 scenarios ranging from small engagements to the full campaign
Corps-level activations with important tactical decisions at division level
Large-format maps and oversized counters for excellent table presence
Revised Second Edition with updated rules, cards, scenarios, and player aids
About the game:
The battle begins with Union cavalry under Brigadier General John Buford delaying advancing Confederate forces west of Gettysburg. What starts as a meeting engagement soon develops into one of the most famous battles in military history.
The Black Swan system is designed to handle large Civil War battles efficiently without sacrificing historical feel. Instead of complex activation procedures, players use cards to activate Corps formations, trigger planned operations, and react to unexpected battlefield developments. This creates a constantly changing situation where long-term planning must be balanced against immediate threats and opportunities.
The game places a strong emphasis on the uncertainty of command. Players must contend with the fortunes of war, command friction, and limited information while coordinating large formations across a sprawling battlefield. Every scenario offers unique challenges, from focused actions on a single map to the complete three-day struggle for Gettysburg.
The Second Edition incorporates numerous refinements based on player feedback, including updated scenarios, revised cards, enlarged player aids, and additional clarification material to improve playability and ease of reference.
Game details:
Players: 2 (up to 4 players can participate in larger scenarios)
Playing time: 1 hour to 3 days (depending on scenario)
Complexity: Medium
Age: 15+
Scale: Tactical and operational Civil War combat
A Most Fearful Sacrifice: The Three Days of Gettysburg (2nd Edition) is a large-scale American Civil War wargame that recreates the entire Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most significant engagements of the war. Using the acclaimed Black Swan system, the game delivers a detailed yet accessible simulation of the three-day battle while keeping rules streamlined and gameplay engaging.
Beginning on the morning of 1 July 1863, players command Union and Confederate forces as they fight for control of the fields, ridges, roads, and towns around Gettysburg. Designed to capture both the tactical and operational challenges faced by commanders, the game emphasizes uncertainty, changing battlefield conditions, and the difficult decisions that shaped the outcome of the battle.
This game includes:
Revised Rulebook
Revised Scenario Book featuring 15 scenarios, including single-map and two-map battles plus the "Reynolds Lives!" variant
2 large game maps (approximately 31" x 40" each)
4 counter sheets containing 352 large combat counters
1 administrative marker sheet with 176 counters
90 poker-sized playing cards
2 player aid cards (11" x 17")
1 scenario setup guide
1 clarification card
3 command displays
6 dice (2 red, 2 black, 2 white)
Key features:
Covers all three days of the Battle of Gettysburg
Uses the Black Swan command and activation system
Emphasises fog of war, battlefield friction, and unexpected events
15 scenarios ranging from small engagements to the full campaign
Corps-level activations with important tactical decisions at division level
Large-format maps and oversized counters for excellent table presence
Revised Second Edition with updated rules, cards, scenarios, and player aids
About the game:
The battle begins with Union cavalry under Brigadier General John Buford delaying advancing Confederate forces west of Gettysburg. What starts as a meeting engagement soon develops into one of the most famous battles in military history.
The Black Swan system is designed to handle large Civil War battles efficiently without sacrificing historical feel. Instead of complex activation procedures, players use cards to activate Corps formations, trigger planned operations, and react to unexpected battlefield developments. This creates a constantly changing situation where long-term planning must be balanced against immediate threats and opportunities.
The game places a strong emphasis on the uncertainty of command. Players must contend with the fortunes of war, command friction, and limited information while coordinating large formations across a sprawling battlefield. Every scenario offers unique challenges, from focused actions on a single map to the complete three-day struggle for Gettysburg.
The Second Edition incorporates numerous refinements based on player feedback, including updated scenarios, revised cards, enlarged player aids, and additional clarification material to improve playability and ease of reference.
Game details:
Players: 2 (up to 4 players can participate in larger scenarios)
Playing time: 1 hour to 3 days (depending on scenario)
Complexity: Medium
Age: 15+
Scale: Tactical and operational Civil War combat
