Tourcoing 1974

Tourcoing 1794 is a tactical wargame depicting the Battle of Tourcoing fought on 17–18 May 1794 during the Flanders Campaign of the French Revolutionary Wars. It is the fifth volume in the Soldiers of the Republic series and recreates General Joseph Souham's Army of the North facing the Coalition forces commanded by the Prince of Coburg.

The game follows General Mack's ambitious encirclement plan, in which six Coalition columns attempted to trap the French army. After initial Allied successes around Roubaix, Tourcoing and Mouscron, the French launched a powerful counterattack that shattered the columns of the Duke of York and General Otto, securing one of the Republic's most important victories of 1794.

Game system

The game uses the Soldiers of the Republic tactical system designed by Matthieu d'Angla.

Units represent infantry brigades, cavalry regiments, and artillery batteries. The system emphasizes:

• formation activation
• command leadership
• terrain effects
• coordinated attacks
• morale and disruption
• cavalry charges and artillery support

The game can be played using either the standard rules or a simplified ruleset available for the series.

Included scenarios

17 May 1794

Opening day of the Allied offensive.

18 May 1794

The French counterattack that recaptured Tourcoing.

Tourcoing Campaign

The complete two-day battle.

Mouscron – 29 April 1794

A bonus scenario covering the earlier Battle of Mouscron.

Objective

The Coalition player must complete the planned encirclement and destroy a significant portion of the French Army of the North.

The French player must exploit the separation between the Allied columns and launch a decisive counteroffensive.

Players

2 players

Playing time

Approximately 2–4 hours.

Complexity

Medium

Game scale

Period: 17–18 May 1794

Level: Tactical

Units: Infantry brigades, cavalry regiments, and artillery batteries

Replayability

Four historical scenarios

Standard and simplified rules

Strong asymmetry

Leader-focused gameplay

Excellent historical variety

Components (indicative)

59 × 41 cm map

216 pre-cut counters and markers

Rulebook and scenario booklet