Kircholm 1605 (2014)

About this game

Kircholm 1605 is a follow-up scenario of Nieuport 1600 (Vae Victis 105). The rules are derived from Musket & Pike (GMT Games). It includes a rules booklet of 6 pages, 108 counters, one A3 map. The Battle of Kircholm is an episode of the the Polish-Swedish War of 1600-1611, which took place 27 September 1605 near the town of Kircholm (now Salaspils in Latvia, near Riga), between the Swedish army commanded by Karl IX and the Polish-Lithuanian army commanded by Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, Field Hetman of Lithuania. Although outnumbered, The battle was decided in 20 minutes by the devastating charge of Polish-Lithuanian cavalry, the Winged Hussars. The battle ended in the decisive victory of Polish-Lithuanian forces, and is remembered as one of the greatest triumphs of Commonwealth cavalry.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.5/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.