From the epic campaigns of the East, to the ceaseless skirmishing in Texas and the Western Territories - and throughout the vast lands in between - the American Civil War was a conflict memorable above all for its staggering scope and for its legendary leaders. A dynamic portrait of this immense struggle, from its infancy to its final gasp, The Civil War depicts the nation and its leaders as no game has done before. Players re-create history on a map stretching from the Eastern shores through the untamed lands of New Mexico, maneuvering and engaging their armies according to the carefully drawn abilities of over 60 individually represented commanders, as ocean-going and riverine naval units battle for control of critical waterways. Emphasis is on leaders only and the retreat rules turn the game into more of a chess match than a civil war representation. Best played with the 'Variable Leader' option introduced in one of the Avalon Hill General Magazines that directs using generic leaders and picking actual leaders from a cup only at the beginning of a battle. - BoardGameGeek