Pub Battles: Austerlitz – One Sharp Blow 2021

After defeating the Austrians at Ulm and occupying Vienna, Napoleon’s first campaign as Emperor should have been over. The Russians then declared war, joining the remaining Austrian forces. As winter approached, the long, tenuous French supply lines through enemy territory began to crumble. Worse yet, the Prussians were forming on the border, threatening to join the coalition. Napoleon needed a victory now!

A master of deception, he lured the Allies into attacking by thinking he was much weaker than he really was. As the Allies attacked his right, their center became dangerously weak. As Napoleon ordered his decisive counter attack on the Pratzen Heights he stated, “One sharp blow and the war is over.” It was. Austerlitz became Napoleon’s greatest victory. The true French Order of Battle is unknown. The Allies must attack forcefully to capitalize on French weakness. If they run into strength, they must be able to quickly transition to a secure defense. Beautiful large map. More blocks than Marengo but less than Waterloo. This hits the sweet spot. Tons of replayability. Yes, you can do what Napoleon did. This game opens things up to the many other possibilities. Craft your own brilliant plan of deception to defeat the Allies. There are many ways to approach this battle from both sides.

It is always fun to be Napoleon in a game but this game also presents a very interesting problem to the Allied player. There are many ways for the Allies to approach this battle. This game lets you explore and try them out. The unknown OB also works great for solitaire play!