1812 Deluxe Ed

Overview

1812: Napoleon in Russia – Deluxe Edition is a two-player strategic wargame published by Decision Games. This edition modernizes the classic historical game originally released by SPI, focused on Napoleon’s 1812 Russian campaign.

The game emphasizes the logistical difficulties and attrition that defined the campaign. Players must manage supply lines, movement across hostile territory, troop exhaustion, and decisive engagements between the French Empire and Russian forces.

This Deluxe Edition features upgraded production with a mounted map board, larger counters, new artwork, and updated player aids while preserving the spirit of the original system.

Historical Background

In June 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia with the Grande Armée, numbering more than 600,000 men. Despite several tactical victories, the French army faced major logistical problems, vast distances, supply shortages, and the harsh Russian climate.

Following the burning of Moscow, the retreat became one of the greatest military disasters in history and marked the beginning of the decline of the Napoleonic Empire.

1812: Napoleon in Russia simulates this campaign at the strategic level with a strong focus on supply management and gradual army attrition.

Key Features

• Deluxe reprint of the SPI classic
• Logistics and attrition-focused gameplay
• Large mounted game board
• Larger and easier-to-read counters
• Revised and clarified rules
• Multiple historical scenarios
• Strong historical immersion
• Ideal for Napoleonic campaign enthusiasts

Box Contents

• 1 mounted game board
• Multiple sheets of enlarged counters
• 1 full-color rulebook
• Player aid cards
• Historical scenarios and variants
• Markers and support materials

Game System

The core system revolves around supply management and attrition. Regions crossed by armies gradually lose resources, forcing players to carefully plan offensives.

Combat remains important, but maintaining supply lines is often the key to victory. The French player must advance rapidly while preserving logistics, while the Russian player attempts to wear down the invader and exploit the vast territory.

The game includes several campaign scenarios beginning at different stages of the invasion:

• June 1812
• Late August 1812
• October 1812

Optional rules introduce military leaders, fortresses, battle plans, and elite guard units.

Technical Information